The Chairman of AEC Unity Network Ltd., Dr. Kenny Martins, says preparations for the commencement of works on the 470-kilometre Abuja–Lagos Superhighway Project have reached advanced stages.
Martins disclosed this on Tuesday at a press conference held at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, where he provided updates on the project, its financing structure, and partnerships with both local and international stakeholders.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his infrastructure-friendly disposition and to the Federal Government for its ongoing support, particularly through the Ministry of Works led by Engr. Dave Umahi.
Martins, however, called for a one-minute silence in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who, he said, was an early supporter of the project but had passed on before its takeoff.
According to him, AEC Unity Network, alongside its advisors, consultants and financiers, has concluded preliminary project designs, studies and approvals, and is now fully prepared to mobilise to site once the Federal Executive Council grants final approval and the President flags off construction.
He stressed that the superhighway would provide the most efficient road link between the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Nigeria’s economic capital, Lagos.
“The Superhighway will not only facilitate easier and cheaper commuting between Abuja and Lagos but also open up rural communities along its corridor across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Niger and the FCT,” Martins said.
He added that discussions were ongoing with the Niger State Government to construct a spur linking the Baro Port, while a possible extension to Ondo State was under consideration.
Martins recalled that the project, which began six years ago under the previous administration, was initially designed to be funded through sovereign guarantees. However, due to Nigeria’s foreign debt exposure, the company adopted a hybrid financing model without sovereign guarantees.
“Our financiers now have the necessary confidence in the safety of their funds. This innovative model has brought us to a historic milestone,” he said.
At the event, Martins recognised key partners and stakeholders, including:
*UBA Plc – Project Bank with decades of experience in Nigeria’s business environment.
*Associated Engineering Consultants – Project Engineers providing contemporary designs and methodology.
*China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) – Contractors financing about 100km of the highway at nearly $1 billion.
*United Capital Plc – Mandated Lead Arranger for project funding.
*Futureview Financial Services Ltd – Lead Financial Advisor and Co-Fund Arranger.
*Olaniwun Ajayi LP – Project solicitors offering legal expertise.
*G. Elias – Legal practitioners advising on project finance and development.
*First Global Commerce Solution Ltd – Representatives of Yapi Merkezi of Dubai and other global partners.
*AEC Unity Network Directors – Recognised for years of hard work towards the project.
He invited representatives of each partner present to give brief remarks and let the participants know their contributions to the project.
Martins assured Nigerians of the company’s readiness and capacity to deliver the superhighway, which he described as a strategic project for national development.
“We are waiting for two final approvals of which one will be from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) there after, we will kick off the project, he added.
AEC Unity Network Limited is a Nigerian private Company that specialises in large-scale infrastructure development across Nigeria. Their core services include:
Highway construction
Bridge construction, urban development, and industrial hub development.
Comprehensive project management — from planning design to construction, risk management, quality control, and long-term maintenance etc.
