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File photo of Super highway under construction
A consortium working on Lagos-Abuja Super Highway Project has said that all is set for the take-off of the 470-kilometre road.
They said they’re however waiting for the Federal Executive Council’s approval to mobilise to site and commence actual construction.
The Abuja-Lagos Greenfield Super Highway Project is a Nigerian government initiative to construct a 470-kilometer concrete highway connecting Lagos and Abuja.
This project aims to significantly reduce travel time between the two cities from approximately 12 hours to about four hours.
The highway is being built under a public-private partnership and is expected to be a toll road.
Led by Chief Kenny Martins of the AEC Unity Network Limited, the consortium said they were hopeful that the $5 billion project will commence before the end of 2025.
Martin’s, who acknowledged the roles by the works Minister, Dave Umahi, others in the presidency and federal ministries, said the preliminary works on the project designs, studies and approvals had been done.
“What is left now is for FEC to give us the needed approval for the take-off and flag off of the project.
The former coordinator, Police Equipment Fund (PEF), said his team had assembled capable and competent advisers, financiers and consultants to execute the project.
According to him, the project will provide for our country the nearest and best link by road between the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and the economic capital, Lagos.
On the benefits, Martins said, “The super highway will facilitate easier and cheaper means of commuting by road between the two great cities to the glory of God and the benefit of our country men and women.
He added that the superhighway will be strategic in several ways, because it will not only open up the villages through which the super highway will pass, it will also provide a much more convenient alternative for those who are only travelling to any of the states through which the super highway passes, which include Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekit, Kwara, Kogi, Niger and Abuja.
“In fact, our company plans to have a spur at a suitable area along the superhighway to enable passengers and commuters heading towards Ondo State as well, at the appropriate time and upon subsequent approvals by the supervising authourities.
“We are already in talks with the government of Niger State to construct a spur in Niger State to link the Baro Port go increase its viability.”
Martins named the team to include United Bank for Africa (UBA), Associated Engineering Consultants, China Harbour Engineering Company and United Capital Plc.
Others are Futureview Financial Services Ltd, Olaniwun Ajayi, G. Elias, First Global Commerce Solution Limited, and AEC Unity Network Directors.
Ebele Igwe, Group Head, Special Projects, UBA said, “We have supported infrastructure projects in Nigeria. This will be a landmark project. We’re happy to be part of this project and we will work to ensure this project comes to fruition.
The United Capital represented by its Managing Director, Dr. Gbadebo Aderele, said: “We believe and know that the project has what it takes to attract the funding it requires. Upon approval, we should be able to take off.” (The Nation)
