Umahi Assures Diaspora Investors: Coastal Highway Dispute Won’t Affect Projects

Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has assured that ongoing legal battles over land ownership linked to the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will not derail the project or discourage diaspora investors from participating in national infrastructure development.

Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Tuesday, Umahi said the federal government remains committed to transparency and fairness in all compensation processes, despite disputes involving Winhomes Estate in the Lekki corridor.

“There are cases in court, yes about 39 people had their properties affected. They were duly evaluated and paid, even for temporary structures,” Umahi said. “The President directed that everyone be compensated to ease their hardship.”

The minister expressed disapproval over what he described as misleading media reports designed to alarm foreign investors.

“When people use the name of diaspora investors to cause fear, it becomes unfair. This administration values Nigerians abroad and will not allow anyone to damage that relationship,” he said.

Umahi added that several diaspora investors residing in Nigeria have reached out to seek clarity on the project, and he has agreed to meet with them to address their concerns. “Our doors are open. The coastal highway project is progressing well we’ve moved into session three and three B, covering 65 kilometres in Calabar,” he disclosed.

He also questioned claims that the disputed Winhomes investment was worth $250 million, insisting that the figures must be verified. “If $250 million truly came in, Nigerians deserve to know where it went, who paid it, and through which bank,” Umahi said.

Winhomes CEO, Stella Okengwu, however, maintained that the company’s investment exceeds $250 million and urged the government to respect ongoing legal proceedings.

Despite the disagreement, Umahi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining investor confidence, particularly among Nigerians in the diaspora.