ECOWAS Confirms Approval For $15bn Lagos-Abidjan Highway Blueprint

ECOWAS Confirms Approval For $15bn Lagos-Abidjan Highway Blueprint....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

On Saturday, leaders from ECOWAS member states gathered to finalize and approve the design for the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor Highway Development Project, with procurement discussions set for their next meeting. The meeting, held in Lagos and chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, focused on the $15 billion project aimed at fostering regional economic integration……CONTINUE READING 

Currently in its study phase, the project is undergoing thorough research, planning, and design. Providing an update, Umahi highlighted that the project, which began in 2013, had secured significant funding from the African Development Bank. He emphasized the importance of finalizing the design during this meeting, marking a key milestone toward the project’s implementation.

He noted that ECOWAS member states had already reached consensus on the project, and work on the design, environmental impact assessments, and funding mechanisms had been ongoing for the last 11 years.

“The design, ESIA, conceptualization, and funding strategies have been in progress for over 11 years. Today, we’ll receive a report from the committee of experts on the design, and we anticipate finalizing and approving it. The procurement process will likely begin at our next meeting,” Umahi said.

Ghana’s Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Boakye, stressed the importance of infrastructure, particularly roads, in promoting socio-economic growth. He highlighted how highways stimulate trade, tourism, and economic activity, drawing parallels to the United States’ economic development. Boakye also reiterated Ghana’s strong commitment to the successful completion of the Lagos-Abidjan project, emphasizing its role in advancing West Africa’s economic integration.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Equipment and Road Maintenance, Dr. Amede Kouakou, echoed the shared commitment of the involved nations to accelerating progress. He vowed to take steps to ensure the project benefits citizens of both Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria.

The Lagos-Abidjan Corridor Highway, slated to begin construction in 2025, is part of the larger Dakar-Lagos Corridor initiative, a flagship ECOWAS development project. The 1,068-kilometer highway will stretch across five ECOWAS countries—Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria—passing through eight border towns and four international land borders, from Eric Moore in Lagos to Abidjan. The project is being financed by the African Development Bank.