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September 16, 2025 by Dele Anofi
From the Nigerians in the diaspora came yesterday a thumb up for President Bola Tinubu and Works Minister Dave Umahi, for initiating dialogue with investors affected by the demolition of the $250 million WIN HOMES Estates project in Okun Ajah, Lagos.
Stella Okengwu,an engineer, Dr. Kimberly Stark, Faduri Oluwadare Joseph, Mr. Obie Aweghogho, and Oluwaseun Bamigbola Bovi spoke at a news conference on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.
They said the move represents a turning point for diaspora engagement and investor confidence.
The Nigerians in the Diaspora declared: “On behalf of countless Nigerians in the diaspora and with deep humility and patriotism, we address you today at this pivotal World Press Conference, held in response to a historic development, the Federal Government of Nigeria’s initiation of a formal communication channel, led by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, to engage with diaspora investors impacted by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway realignment.”
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They stressed that the dialogue was a sign of leadership, saying, “We commend President Bola Tinubu and Minister Umahi for their courage and statesmanship in responding to the cries for justice following the demolition of the $250 million WIN HOMES Estates project in Okun Ajah on October 5, 2024.
“This gesture signals to the global community that Nigeria is committed to protecting foreign direct investment, particularly from its 50 million-strong diaspora, who remain steadfast development partners.”
They highlighted the significance of WIN HOMES Estates as a beacon of inclusive development, uniting Nigerians across ethnicities, Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ijaw, Efik, and others in a shared vision of progress.
“It created jobs for hundreds of unemployed youth, boosted local businesses, and sourced materials domestically, fostering hope among diaspora investors eager to rebuild Nigeria,” they noted.
However, they noted the damage caused by the demolition without notice, dialogue, or compensation shattered not just structures but trust, sending shockwaves through global Nigerian communities and contributing to a 30% drop in diaspora real estate investments.
They insisted their campaign had always been constructive, stressing, “Let us be clear: our year-long, peaceful, and legal advocacy has never been anti-government. Many of us supported this administration, believing in its promise of Renewed Hope. Our call is for fairness, justice, and the rule of law”.
They, however, urged the government to act decisively, stating, “We respectfully urge the government to conduct a proper evaluation of the demolished properties, ensure adequate compensation for WIN HOMES and its investors, and establish a Diaspora Investment Protection Desk to safeguard future projects of this magnitude.
“Such measures will help reverse decades of capital flight and restore investor confidence.”
They praised the Coalition of Civil Society for their tireless mediation, demonstrating the power of civic engagement in fostering national healing.
Looking ahead, they reaffirmed their commitment to Nigeria, “As private investors, we see this dialogue as a green light to global markets. Nigeria must move beyond welcoming capital to respecting and protecting it.
“By institutionalizing this approach, Nigeria can enhance its rankings on ease of doing business and investor confidence indices, unlocking billion-dollar opportunities from its diaspora.”
Explaining that the news conference celebrated not just the pain of loss but the possibility of progress, the investors, stressed: “Let this be a model for partnerships with Nigeria’s diaspora, ensuring that those who invest in her future are protected.
Thanking President Tinubu, the Works Minister, and all who stood with them during the period, they prayed, “May Nigeria rise to its full potential as a global investment hub.”
English (US)