Investors from the diaspora involved in WINHOMES Estate have strongly opposed recent remarks made by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway initiative.
These investors argue that the minister‘s comments are misleading, inaccurate, and do a disservice to both Nigerians and the global audience.
In an official release, Engr Stella Okengwu, CEO of WINHOMES Global Services Ltd, emphasized the necessity of clarifying the facts.
She highlighted that the minister’s claim-that only four hectares of WINHOMES land were impacted by demolition-is categorically incorrect.
“WINHOMES represents diaspora investments exceeding $250 million, spanning a significantly larger territory than what has been acknowledged. Numerous families, professionals, and enterprises who invested in good faith under Nigeria’s land allocation framework have suffered losses far beyond the Ministry’s admitted figures,” she explained.
The investors also challenged the minister’s statement suggesting that the federal government has secured a favorable court ruling.
“This assertion is false. The case-Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1063/25-is still pending before Justice Akintayo Aluko at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. No trial has begun, and no judgment has been issued. Any claims to the contrary are misleading and irresponsible,” the statement clarified.
They further stressed that Nigerian law mandates that ongoing legal proceedings must be respected, and that revoking land titles or confiscating property during active litigation is unconstitutional and undermines the rule of law.
The group also criticized the repeated invocation of the President’s name in this dispute, describing it as inappropriate and harmful.
“Framing a legal disagreement as if it carries presidential approval improperly involves the Presidency in a matter that should be resolved solely through the judiciary. This practice diminishes investor trust, portrays Nigeria as a nation where executive overreach overrides judicial autonomy, and sends a negative message to the international community,” the statement concluded.
