Minister Umahi Warns: Winhomes Must Not ‘Damage’ Govt-Diaspora Relations

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has issued a strong warning that the ongoing legal and commercial controversies surrounding the Winhomes development project must not be allowed to undermine the Federal Government’s relationship with its crucial base of diaspora investors. The Minister emphasized the administration’s commitment to protecting all legitimate investments within the country.

Dependable NG reports that the Minister made this declaration during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday, where he addressed public concerns regarding the disputed Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the controversial Winhomes development. Umahi took the opportunity to respond to what he termed “damaging information” being circulated against both him and the government, stressing the need for transparency and accountability in all national infrastructure endeavors.

The former Ebonyi State Governor articulated a clear concern that widespread misinformation—particularly regarding the true costs of infrastructure projects and the details of property disputes like the Winhomes case—could create unwarranted fear and suspicion among potential foreign investors. He firmly stated, “We will not allow Winhomes to damage the Tinubu administration’s relations with diaspora investors.”

Umahi then proceeded to recount the background of the Winhomes issue in detail, presenting facts concerning land transactions and alleged discrepancies in the Chief Executive Officer’s (CEO’s) commercial dealings. He offered specific figures that raised questions about the legitimacy and timeline of the land acquisition and subsequent sales.

“The woman that is in charge of Winhomes development, from available facts before me, bought 12 hectares of land from the villagers, the natives, according to her, in 2022, and bought it, 12 hectares, for 50 million naira, not dollars, 50 million naira,” the Minister stated. He contrasted this low acquisition price with the high-value sales already conducted, pointing out discrepancies in the timeline. “And these investors, from what I have, because they have contacted me, two brothers bought five hectares. One person bought five hectares, that is 10 hectares already, and they are all based in Nigeria. And as of 2021, she has started selling, but the document I have says she bought this land in 2022, and only 12 hectares,” he revealed. The Minister’s detailed disclosure suggests the government is positioning itself to scrutinize the Winhomes transactions closely to prevent any perceived fraud or instability from affecting broader investor confidence and to ensure the Coastal Highway project proceeds without undue entanglement.