The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has urged Nigerians living abroad to remain confident despite ongoing legal challenges related to WinHomes Estate.
He emphasized the government’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding investor interests and advancing critical national infrastructure initiatives.
During an interview on Arise News this past Tuesday, Umahi addressed the disputes linked to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the properties impacted by the project, cautioning against interpreting these issues as antagonism from the government toward investors.
“Indeed, there are ongoing legal proceedings. The initial case involved 39 individuals whose properties were demolished. Each was assessed and compensated, including for informal structures,” he clarified.
“The president personally instructed that payments be made to ease their difficulties,” the minister added.
He voiced concern over the politicization of the matter, warning that certain narratives might instill unwarranted apprehension among prospective investors overseas.
“I was compelled to respond because when the issue is framed as a problem for diaspora investors, it deters genuine investors,” Umahi remarked.
“Our administration values the diaspora community highly, and we will not permit anyone to exploit this situation to tarnish our reputation,” he affirmed.
Highlighting ongoing engagement, the minister revealed that numerous diaspora investors currently residing in Nigeria have sought meetings to discuss project specifics, and he remains open to direct dialogue.
“Several diaspora investors living in Nigeria have formally requested appointments to meet with me, and I am ready to accommodate them,” he confirmed.
Umahi reassured that despite the legal disputes, construction on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway continues to advance robustly.
“The highway project is progressing well and remains highly competitive. We are currently in phase two, having commenced phases three and three B, covering 65 kilometers in Calabar,” he reported.
The controversy originated from the demolition of properties associated with WinHomes Estate along the highway corridor, with some investors, including those in the diaspora, alleging involvement in a $250 million investment.
Addressing these claims, Umahi challenged the validity of the reported figures.
“If a $250 million investment truly exists, where is the documentation? Who made the payments and through which financial institutions? Nigerians deserve transparency,” he insisted.
He reiterated that all government actions have adhered to due process and compensation protocols, stressing that ongoing court cases will neither halt the highway project nor compromise the administration’s pro-investor stance.
Mayowa Oladeji