By The Chairman of AEC Unity Network Limited, Dr Kenny Martins, has declared the company’s full preparedness to commence construction of the 470km Abuja–Lagos Superhighway as soon as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) gives its approval and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu officially flags off the project.
The ambitious scheme, estimated at $4bn, has AEC Unity Network Limited recognised as the official concessionaire for both the Abuja–Lagos Superhighway and the High-Speed Train projects.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Dr Martins expressed optimism that approval would be secured before the end of the year. He confirmed that preliminary designs, studies and approvals had been completed with the cooperation of advisers, consultants and stakeholders.
Explaining that the road would be financed through hybrid guarantees to safeguard investors’ funds, Dr Martins said the company had brought its financiers, advisers and consultants to the briefing to demonstrate “readiness, ability, capability and willingness” to deliver the project, which he described as the “nearest and best link by road between the Federal Capital, Abuja, and the Economic Capital, Lagos.”
Among the financiers and advisers named were United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Futureview Financial Services Ltd, Olaniwun Ajayi LP, G. Elias and First Global Commerce Solution Limited.
Dr Martins added that AEC Unity Network Limited, in partnership with relevant government ministries and parastatals, had gone far beyond initial planning stages. “With the support and cooperation of our advisers, consultants and other stakeholders, we can say without being immodest that we are today fully prepared to go to site and commence construction as soon as we receive the FEC approval and the presidential flag-off,” he stated.
He further revealed that the superhighway would be completed within four years, easing travel between Abuja and Lagos while also opening up numerous communities along the route. States to benefit include Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory.
Describing the project as historic, Dr Martins praised the financiers and consultants who had worked with AEC Unity Network Limited to reach this stage, adding that the road would ultimately make travel easier, cheaper and more accessible “to the glory of God and the benefit of our countrymen and women.”
What's your reaction?
