A peaceful protest erupted in Lagos on Wednesday, led by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations and Foreign Investors of Nigeria, as they gathered at the Lagos liaison office of the Federal Ministry of Works. The demonstrators passionately demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Mr. Ola Obanla, a site worker with WinHomes who was allegedly arrested by military personnel during a standoff involving land demolitions in Okun-Ajah. The coalition, made up of civil society groups and concerned investors, is also seeking adequate compensation for homeowners and developers who have been affected by the demolition activities tied to the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway construction project. Public Outcry Over Military Arrest of WinHomes Worker According to the protesters, Mr. Obanla was forcefully taken away by soldiers during a tense encounter linked to the controversial demolitions in the area. His arrest has sparked widespread outrage as no official explanation has been given regarding his whereabouts or legal status. The demonstrators carried bold placards with inscriptions such as: The march began from Tafawa Balewa Square and ended at the ministry’s office, with many accusing the Ministry of Works of igniting conflict in the community through insensitive demolitions that allegedly occurred without proper consultation or fair compensation. Allegations Against Minister David Umahi Mr. Shina Loromikan, who coordinated the protest, revealed that Obanla’s arrest occurred shortly after Minister of Works, David Umahi, visited the project site and engaged with residents. According to Loromikan, Umahi reportedly took offense at how Obanla addressed him and directed soldiers in his entourage to detain the young worker. “He was seized and disappeared from public view. His family and community members have no information about his location. We’ve contacted several police stations, including the Lagos State Police Command, but none admit to holding him,” said Loromikan. He stressed that Nigeria’s legal framework prohibits detention beyond 48 hours without a court charge. “The longer he is held without legal process, the clearer it becomes that this is illegal detention,” he emphasized. Loromikan added that unless the government acts promptly, further protests will follow. Simultaneously, a similar demonstration was reported in Abuja, underscoring the national concern surrounding Obanla’s arrest and the broader issues of justice, transparency, and due process in the project. Demolition Controversy and Investor Distrust The coalition further expressed frustration over the non-transparent and allegedly biased demolition and compensation procedures surrounding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway development. They accused the government of offering meager compensation for destroyed properties, many of which were owned by Nigerians in the diaspora who had invested heavily in the region. “This isn’t development — it’s oppression,” Loromikan stated. “You don’t destroy people’s lifelong investments and offer them peanuts in return.” A formal petition was submitted to the Minister of Works, listing several demands, including: The coalition emphasized that unless the Federal Government initiates dialogue with the affected communities, tension in the region will continue to escalate.
The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has officially commenced the construction of two bypasses on the Second Niger Bridge, enhancing connectivity between the Asaba-Benin and Enugu-Onitsha expressways. To facilitate this development, the government has allocated 30% mobilization funds to kick-start the project. Additionally, the Federal Government has assured that the reconstruction of the flood-damaged East-West Road in Rivers State will be completed between December 2025 and March 2026. Government’s Commitment to Infrastructure Development During an inspection tour of federal road projects in Rivers State, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, provided an update on the progress. He highlighted the government’s commitment to infrastructure enhancement, noting that mobilization payments for critical road projects, including Abuja-Kano (sections 1 and 3), have also been made. Umahi expressed enthusiasm about the commencement of the Second Niger Bridge bypasses, emphasizing that construction is being handled by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and China Jiangxi Corporation (CJC). The 30% mobilization ensures the timely execution of the project, which will integrate the newly completed Second Niger Bridge into Nigeria’s national road network. Key Federal Road Projects Underway As part of his two-day project inspection, Umahi visited several ongoing federal road construction sites, including: Boosting Local Contractors for Sustainable Development Umahi reiterated President Tinubu’s directive to empower local contractors to bridge infrastructural gaps. He emphasized that while expatriate contractors play a role, developing local expertise is essential for long-term sustainability. Speaking on the East-West Road project, Umahi stated, “Ensuring the road’s stability is our priority. A major factor contributing to rapid deterioration is poor structural support, and we are tackling this issue by reinforcing key sections with concrete technology.” Conclusion With the federal government prioritizing key infrastructure projects, the Second Niger Bridge bypasses and the East-West Road reconstruction will significantly improve transportation and economic activities across Nigeria. For more updates on Nigeria’s infrastructure development, visit Federal Ministry of Works. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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The Federal Government has officially introduced tolling on the Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Expressway, effective Tuesday, February 4. The announcement was made by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during the inauguration of the tolling system at Garaku Toll Station in Nasarawa State. Under the new tolling structure, charges will vary based on vehicle type, with fees set at N500 for saloon cars, N800 for SUVs/Jeeps, N1,000 for minibuses, and N1,600 for multi-axle vehicles. Speaking through his representative, Bello Goronyo, the minister emphasized that funds collected from the toll would be allocated to the upkeep and development of federal roads across Nigeria. He highlighted the expressway’s importance in fostering economic growth, social connectivity, and national infrastructure. He further noted that frequent road users, particularly commercial light vehicles classified under the Federal Highway Act, would be eligible for a 50% discount on toll charges. Additionally, the new tolling policy exempts police, military, and other essential service vehicles from making payments. This move aims to enhance road maintenance efforts and improve Nigeria’s transportation network. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
