AEC Unity says Geofocus-led consortium not involved in Abuja-Lagos highway, train projects

AEC Unity Network Limited, a construction company, has denied the involvement of AEC-Geofocus Consortium or its representatives in a planned Abuja-Lagos super highway and high-speed train projects.

On Monday, AEC Unity Network reaffirmed the company as the officially recognised concessionaire for the projects.

According to the construction company, the denial was necessary following some “misleading” claims circulating in the media.

AEC Unity Network also said in a recent report seen online, Yinka Idris, an engineer, had also claimed to be director of operations of AEC-Geofocus.

Idris had said the federal government was set to commence the Lagos-Abuja super highway/high-speed train projects tentatively by February 2025, noting that the project would cost $16 billion.

“These claims, published in several media outlets and amplified on social media, have been described by AEC Unity Network as baseless and an attempt to mislead the public,” the statement reads.

Also, in a statement, signed by Ayodeji Ademola, legal consultant to AEC Unity Network Limited, the concessionaire underscores the company’s commitment to transparency and its exclusive mandate to execute the project.

“AEC Unity Network reaffirmed that it is the sole concessionaire authorized by the Federal Government of Nigeria to design, finance, construct, operate, and maintain the 470-kilometer superhighway and high-speed rail linking Abuja and Lagos,” the company added.

“The company’s approvals are from the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).”

The company also identified individuals and entities engaged in deceptive practices to gain undue recognition for projects they are not affiliated with. 

“We categorically state that AEC Unity Network Limited has no relationship whatsoever with Engineer Mutiu Yinka Idris, Prince Fisayo, or Geofocus,” the company added.

AEC Unity Network warned the public, particularly local and foreign investors, to disregard any claims or publications by Geofocus or its sponsors.

The company stressed that its projects are still in the planning stages and that no other concurrent developments are authorised on the Abuja-Lagos corridor.

“These fraudulent claims are completely at variance with our proposed infrastructure plans and are intended to confuse and defraud unsuspecting stakeholders,” AEC Unity Network said.

AEC Unity Network said the Abuja-Lagos super highway and high-speed train projects are cornerstone initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, aimed at enhancing national infrastructure and economic development.