Stella Okengwu, Chief Executive Officer of WINHOMES Global Services Limited, has responded to recent claims and press statements issued by the Federal Controller of Works and some subscribers regarding the controversy surrounding the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road and the WINHOMES estate development.

Addressing journalists, the WINHOMES boss clarified that the widely reported $250m figure being circulated in the media does not represent the compensation the company is demanding from the government.

According to the WINHOMES CEO, the $250m refers to the estimated Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) that WINHOMES attracted from diaspora and international partners into Nigeria’s real estate sector through the estate project.

She explained that diaspora-driven real estate investment contributes billions of dollars to Nigeria’s economy annually, with WINHOMES forming part of that investment inflow.

The WINHOMES boss stated that the company’s request to the government is strictly limited to compensation for the specific portion of land affected by the diversion of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road, noting that the amount involved is far lower than $250m.

She emphasised that, under the constitutional principles guiding compulsory acquisition and eminent domain, the government retains the authority to acquire land for public purposes but must provide fair and lawful compensation for affected property and improvements.

Responding to claims that only a gatehouse was destroyed during the road construction process, the WINHOMES CEO maintained that the site was already an active estate development project and not bare land as suggested in some reports. She explained that significant preparatory and structural works had been carried out before the road diversion occurred. These included clearing dense forest, grading the land and establishing internal road layouts, as well as carrying out large-scale sand filling and embankment works to stabilize the soil.

Okengwu further disclosed that over 30,000 truckloads of sand had already been deployed for the project alongside drainage preparation, road construction activities, and the mobilisation of heavy equipment such as bulldozers and payloaders.

She added that the project also involved community settlements and corporate social responsibility commitments with host families, the construction of the estate gatehouse, and the foundation stage of a proposed 21-storey development structure.

According to her, such developments are legally recognized as fixtures and capital improvements, which must be considered when compensation assessments are conducted.

On why government should engage directly with WINHOMES regarding compensation, Okengwu explained that the company remains the legal estate developer and project holder.

She said subscribers purchased their plots through WINHOMES rather than directly from the government or indigenous families.

Consequently, she argued that established real estate practice requires the government to deal with the project developer, who would in turn coordinate and settle affected subscribers. Allowing individuals to pursue compensation independently, she warned, could lead to duplicate claims and legal uncertainty.

The WINHOMES chief also addressed allegations relating to competing ownership claims involving another entity, stating that such matters are currently being examined within the legal process.

She maintained that the company lawfully acquired the land from indigenous families and commenced development before the road diversion occurred, adding that any overlapping claims would ultimately be resolved through the courts and verified land registry records.

Okengwu concluded by reiterating that WINHOMES remains committed to transparency and a lawful resolution of the dispute while protecting the investments of its subscribers.

She stressed that the company’s goal is not confrontation with the authorities but fair treatment under the law, which would allow the estate project to be redesigned, stabilised, and eventually delivered responsibly.

She expressed optimism that with good-faith engagement from all parties, the matter could be resolved in a way that supports both public infrastructure development and private investment in Nigeria’s real estate sector. (Sunday Tribune)