ECOWAS leaders gathered on Saturday to finalize and approve the design of the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor Highway Development Project, paving the way for the procurement process.
The move is seen as a significant boost to regional economic integration.
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, chaired the meeting, highlighting the project’s 11-year journey, which has received substantial funding from the African Development Bank. Umahi emphasized the meeting’s importance in finalizing the design, marking significant progress toward implementation.
Ghana’s Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Boakye, underscored the crucial role of infrastructure in driving socio-economic development. “Highways promote trade, tourism, and economic activities, as seen in the United States’ economic expansion,” Boakye noted, emphasizing Ghana’s commitment to the project.
Key Project Highlights:
- Project Scope: 1,068-kilometer highway spanning five ECOWAS member countries (Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, and Nigeria)
- Border Crossings: Eight border towns and four country-pair land borders
- Commencement: Scheduled for 2025
- Financing: African Development Bank
Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Equipment and Road Maintenance, Dr. Amede Kouakou, reiterated the collective commitment to accelerating progress on the project, ensuring benefits for citizens of Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria.
The Lagos-Abidjan Corridor Highway is part of the larger Dakar-Lagos Corridor, a flagship ECOWAS development program. With the design finalized, the procurement process is expected to begin at the next meeting.
Add Comment