The ambitious Abuja-Lagos Super Highway and High-Speed Train projects have been hit by controversy as two organizations, AEC Unity Network Limited and AEC-Geofocus Consortium, battle over who has the right to lead the project.
AEC Unity Network Limited, officially recognized by the Federal Government of Nigeria, has denied any affiliation with AEC-Geofocus Consortium. According to a statement released by the company, AEC-Geofocus has no involvement in the planning, funding, construction, or operation of the 470-kilometer superhighway and rail projects.
The project, part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, aims to boost Nigeria’s infrastructure and connect Abuja and Lagos more efficiently.
Barrister Ayodeji Ademola, the legal consultant for AEC Unity Network, firmly stated that the company is the sole authorized concessionaire. Approvals for the project have been granted by the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
Engineer Mutiu Yinka Idris, representing AEC-Geofocus Consortium, has claimed his organization secured $16 billion in funding from Middle Eastern investors, with additional support from European financial institutions and the World Bank. He also assured stakeholders that the project would kick off by February 2025 under the consortium’s leadership.
Despite these assertions, AEC Unity Network has dismissed AEC-Geofocus’s claims as false and misleading, urging the public and investors to disregard them.
AEC Unity Network stressed that it has no relationship with AEC-Geofocus or Engineer Idris. The company warned that any media advertisements or reports from AEC-Geofocus are unauthorized and potentially fraudulent.
To avoid confusion, AEC Unity Network urged stakeholders to verify all project information through its official channels and steer clear of any dealings with AEC-Geofocus.
The Abuja-Lagos Super Highway and High-Speed Train projects are designed to transform transportation in Nigeria, connecting major cities and promoting economic growth. Despite the ongoing dispute, AEC Unity Network remains committed to delivering the project with professionalism and transparency.
The public and investors are advised to stay updated only through verified sources as the project progresses.
