Chief Executive Officer of Winhomes Global Services Limited, Engr Stella Okengwu, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating a dialogue regarding the company's diaspora investment, which was impacted by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. This development has brought a sense of hope to the affected investors. Okengwu emphasized that the communication channel opened by the President marks the beginning of efforts to resolve the dispute.
The dispute arose when the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project affected the investments of Winhomes Global Services Limited, leading to concerns from diaspora investors who had committed their savings to properties in Nigeria. Many families are still waiting for certainty regarding their investments. Okengwu stated that the investors had raised concerns over the impact of the coastal highway project on their investments for years.
Okengwu urged the Federal Government to proceed with the payment of compensation to the affected investors, enabling the company to continue developing its remaining property. She described the development as a sign of hope but emphasized that it was not the conclusion of the matter. Instead, it presented an opportunity to work towards a resolution that would restore confidence among affected investors.
The affected investors, according to Okengwu, remain committed to Nigeria despite the challenges surrounding their investments. They are eager to transform the affected property into developments that would create economic opportunities and demonstrate confidence in Nigeria. Okengwu stated that the investors want to build homes, create jobs, and bring foreign investment to the country.
Okengwu emphasized that the manner in which the matter is resolved could influence the decisions of Nigerians in the diaspora considering investments in the country. She stated that the next steps should move from dialogue to compensation, rebuilding, and renewed confidence among Nigerians in the diaspora seeking to invest in the country. The outcome of this situation may serve as a precedent for future investments.
While appreciating the President's intervention, Okengwu stated that the affected investors would continue to seek accountability until their compensation is paid. She called for continued engagement until the investors are able to return to their remaining property and resume development. Okengwu emphasized that appreciation for the government's efforts and the demand for accountability could coexist in the search for a resolution.
Okengwu thanked the President, his administration, and others involved in efforts to resolve the matter, while urging the affected investors to remain hopeful. She appealed to Nigerians in the diaspora to continue engaging with the country and maintain confidence in the possibility of resolving investment-related challenges through dialogue. The Winhomes boss urged the Federal Government to demonstrate that Nigeria can respond to the concerns of investors when challenges arise.
Key points
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has opened a communication channel with Winhomes Global Services Limited regarding the company's diaspora investment affected by the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project.
- Engr Stella Okengwu has urged the Federal Government to proceed with the payment of compensation to the affected investors.
- The outcome of this situation may influence the decisions of Nigerians in the diaspora considering investments in the country.
