False Claims by AEC-Geofocus: AEC Unity Network Sets the Record Straight

AEC Unity Network Limited, the officially recognized concessionaire for the Abuja-Lagos Super Highway and High-Speed Train projects, has firmly denied any affiliation with the AEC-Geofocus Consortium, following claims by the group regarding its involvement in the ambitious national infrastructure initiative.

In a statement released on Sunday, AEC Unity Network emphasized that AEC-Geofocus has no role in the planning, financing, construction, or operation of the 470-kilometer superhighway and high-speed rail project linking Abuja and Lagos. The company reaffirmed that it is the sole concessionaire authorized by the Federal Government of Nigeria to undertake the project, which is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to boost the nation’s infrastructure.

AEC Unity Network clarified that it has received the necessary approvals from the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) to design, finance, construct, operate, and maintain the project. The company’s legal consultant, Barrister Ayodeji Ademola, stressed that AEC-Geofocus had no involvement in the project from its inception and has no legal grounds to make any claims regarding it.

False Claims from AEC-Geofocus

The statement by AEC Unity Network comes in response to media reports attributed to one Engineer Mutiu Yinka Idris, who claimed that AEC-Geofocus was the designated entity responsible for the Abuja-Lagos Super Highway and High-Speed Rail projects. Idris, purportedly the Director of Operations for AEC-Geofocus, had alleged that the consortium had secured $16 billion from Middle Eastern investors and was set to begin the project in February 2025. He further claimed that the project would involve a range of states along the Lagos-Abuja corridor, including Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Kwara, Kogi, and Niger.

AEC Unity Network’s statement refuted these claims, describing them as “spurious and false.” The company emphasized that no such consortium exists in relation to the Abuja-Lagos projects and that any media advertisements or reports originating from AEC-Geofocus should be disregarded. It warned investors and the public to avoid engaging with Geofocus, as the group was not involved in the government-approved projects.

Unfounded Claims and Potential Fraud

AEC Unity Network also raised concerns over what it described as fraudulent attempts to mislead the public. The company urged both local and international investors to verify information through official channels and avoid falling victim to unauthorized claims made by AEC-Geofocus. The company further reassured the public that the Abuja-Lagos Super Highway and High-Speed Rail projects are still in the planning stages and that no other entities are currently developing infrastructure along the same corridor.

Commitment to Transparency and Professionalism

AEC Unity Network reiterated its commitment to transparency and professionalism in executing the projects, which are expected to significantly improve transportation efficiency between Abuja and Lagos, boosting economic growth across the country. The company emphasized that it remains the sole authorized entity for the projects and urged stakeholders to seek accurate and verified information only from its official communication channels.

As the project moves forward, AEC Unity Network is dedicated to ensuring that the infrastructure initiative remains on track and free from confusion caused by fraudulent claims.