Infrastructure push commended: Kenneth Martin praises Tinubu's superhighway initiative

The Abuja-Lagos Super Highway and High-Speed Train project, a significant infrastructure initiative, is moving forward with the support of various stakeholders.

The proposed project, described as strategic and supportive of infrastructure projects in the country by UBA Plc Group Head, Special Project, Mr Ebele Ogbue, will provide the nearest and best link by road between the Federal Capital Territory and the economic capital, Lagos. The super highway will pass through several states, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Chief Kenny Martins, a former National Coordinator of the Police Equipment Fund, applauds President Bola Tinubu's vision and commitment to building the economy through infrastructure development. Martins is the Chairman of AEC Unity Network Ltd., the lead promoter of the project.

The financiers of the project, which includes the Nigerian government and various development finance institutions, though specific financiers' names are not publicly detailed, are collaborating with AEC Unity Network Ltd. The consortium, a joint venture company, is committed to deepening Nigeria's democracy and building the economy.

Dr Gbadebo Adenrele, Managing Director, Investment Banking, United Capital Plc, is facilitating access to finances for the project. The AEC Unity Network Ltd., with a number of investors, is prepared to commence construction of the 470-kilometer Abuja-Lagos Greenfield super highway, expected to be completed in four years at five billion dollars.

The consortium has opted to execute the project without the usual sovereign guarantee, demonstrating its readiness, ability, and capability to execute the project. The company has brought together financiers, advisors, and consultants to showcase its readiness for the project.

China Harbour Engineering Company Manager, Mr Hanson Zhao, considers the project a national asset that will boost the economy and reduce transport costs. Elizabeth Ebi, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Futureview Financial Services Ltd, is working hard to ensure the project's success.

The super highway will facilitate easier and cheaper means of commuting by road between the two cities. The project funding method has been revised due to the country's heavy exposure to foreign debts. The company is building a road from Abuja, the federal capital, to Lagos, the commercial capital, worth $5 billion, and a major bridge in Lagos, worth between $3 billion to $4 billion.

Martins commends late President Muhammadu Buhari for receiving the project with open hands during his time in office and for offering to do everything within his power to ensure the success of the project. The company is waiting for the final approval by the Federal Executive Council for the groundbreaking of the project.

A Legal Consultant and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Dipo Okpeseyi, has commended Tinubu's infrastructure drive. China Harbour Engineering Company Manager, Mr Hanson Zhao, also commends the initiative, stating that the project will be a national asset that will boost the economy and reduce transport costs.

The stakeholders in the project include UBA Plc, Associated Engineering Consultants, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), United Capital Plc, FutureView Financial Services Ltd, Olanihun Ajayi LP, G. Elias, and First Global Commerce Solution Limited. The consortium's hybrid of guarantees aims to ensure the confidence of its financiers.

The super highway will pass through several states, connecting major cities and reducing travel time between them. The project is expected to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the overall infrastructure of the country. The project's success will undoubtedly contribute to Nigeria's development and progress.

Infrastructure push commended: Kenneth Martin praises Tinubu's superhighway initiative