A coalition of investors operating under the Foreign Investors Network of Nigeria has initiated a $250 million lawsuit against the Federal Government, alleging constitutional violations and procedural breaches tied to the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.
The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi (FHC/L/CS/1063/25), targets the Attorney General of the Federation, Minister of Works Senator David Umahi, and contractor HITECH Construction Company It seeks both a restraining order to halt the demolition of an 18.8-hectare plot in Okun‑Ajah, Eti‑Osa, and substantial financial damages.
Central to the dispute is the claim that the government rerouted a section of the Coastal Highway—between Chainage 16+500 and 17+500 through the Winhomes Global Services Estate, without notifying the lawful owners . The plaintiffs assert their property is fully documented, supported by a valid Certificate of Occupancy and survey plan (Plan No BOM/3538/001B/2024/LA/TOPO) .
Their counsel, Valerian Nadike, emphasised that no statutory notice or demolition order was issued before government surveyors began marking the site a clear breach of the right to fair hearing under Sections 36 and 44 of the Constitution. He denounced the move as “executive lawlessness”, asserting that the absence of a formal acquisition process, gazette publication, or compensation demand is unconstitutional, as affirmed in Ojukwu v. Governor of Lagos State (1986) .
The plaintiffs are requesting a declaration that all demolition markings and preparatory actions are “illegal, null and void”, a permanent injunction prohibiting further interference with the estate, $250 million in damages for losses incurred.
Defendants are expected to respond within 30 days, with the court yet to set a hearing date .
This case intersects with broader national tensions involving infrastructure development and property rights. Previous legal interventions—such as interim orders and jurisdictional challenges reflect intensifying scrutiny over the government’s approach to road realignment.
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway is a 700‑kilometer flagship project under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Yet, its alignment has evolved, drawing accusations of disregard for private investment and legal norms. Winhomes CEO Stella Okengwu publicly called out the minister for alleged contempt of court .
Should the court side with the investors, the judgment may set a precedent for how future infrastructure projects balance state imperatives with investors’ rights and influence foreign capital sentiment in Nigeria.
