The Nigeria government has reiterated it’s commitment to ensure the completion of the Abidjan-Lagos highway, to increase trade and integration in West Africa, by providing maritime port access to the countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Chad) through its connection with other corridors along the North-South axis.
The minister of Works and Housing Mr Babatunde Fashola, who is also the chairman steering committee of the Abidjan-Lagos highway project stated this at 16th Steering Committee and Experts meeting in Abuja.
Mr Fashola, who commended ECOWAS member countries involved in the project spoke on the efforts of the Nigerian Government, said government has mobilised resources for the completion of the Lagos-Badagry section of the project. He also noted that the bridge linking Cameroon to Nigeria has been completed and awaiting commissioning.
The Minister added that the project is an important investment for Africa to achieve the objectives of the Africa Union which will connect Africa from the east to the north.
“The project will better the lives of over 40 million people who use the road daily and improve economic activities between the countries”.
The Ghanian Minister of Roads and Highway Mr Kwasi Amoako-Attah said COVID 19 has beaten hard on the world and the project which visibility study should have been finished, but due to the pandemic the project is one year behind schedule.
He Commended ECOWAS and the Technical team for the good work done so far to ensure the project is successful and ensure good value .
The Ghanian Minister said “I Encourage ECOWAS to speed up the process with the consultants. I’m also urging the Minister to consider any fair compensation due the consultants. Committee be focused on goals and time line. Speed up and start the construction of the high way. Project fatigue may set in and lead to lose of the project.”
Task manager Abidjan-Lagos corridor project, from Africa Development Bank AfDB, Mrs Lydie Ehouman said the bank now has secured 15.6 billion dollars investment for the construction of the Lagos-Abidjan highway which would strengthen regional trade and integration in West Africa by linking the hinterlands of different Participating Member Countries.
She said the bank would continue to offer it’s support to the project.
ECOWAS Commissioner for infrastructure, Mr Pathe Gueye said the 1,081-kilometer Abidjan-Lagos highway will have a significant impact on the economies of five West African countries – Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria.
The Abidjan-Lagos axis covers nearly 75% of West Africa’s commercial activities. The transport sector accounts for 5% to 8% of the region’s gross domestic product and plays a key role in economic development and job creation, particularly for women and young people.
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