ECOWAS Leaders, Experts meet to approve Lagos -Abidjan Highway Design Project
- Construction of project is scheduled to commence in 2025.
The Heads of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)member states met on Saturday to finalise and approve the design for the Lagos -Abidjan Highway Development project with the aim to initiating the procurement process at the next meeting as construction of project is scheduled to commence in 2025.
The meeting tagged 21st Experts and Ministerial Steering Committee held in Lagos was chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi in discussing the project which is expected to cost 15 billion dollars and to deepen regional economic integration.
The project is said to be currently at its study phase, while detailed research planning and design are still ongoing.
Umahi stated while highlighting the history of the project that the project was initiated in 2013 and has received significant funding from the African Development Bank.
He explained that Heads of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)member states have met to agree on the project, adding that various stages of development, including the development impact assessment and funding mechanism have been ongoing for the past 11 years.
Umahi pointed out that “As of today we are going to listen to the committee of experts in terms of the design and we believe that we will finalise and approve the design and we set the goal for procurement probably in our next meeting.”
On his part, the Ghana’s Minister of Roads and Highways, Mr Francis Boakye emphasized that importance of road infrastructure, particularly in driving socio-economic development.
Boakye disclosed that the highway will facilitate trade, tourism, and other economic activities as well as promoting economic integration within West Africa.
The Minister of Equipment and Road Maintenance of Cote d’Ivoire, Dr. Amede Kouaku pledged their commitment with other ministers to ensure the acceleration in the construction of the project.
Kouaku stated further that he will take steps to ensure that the project becomes a reality for the citizens of Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria.
The over 1068 kilometers project will cover five ECOWAS member countries, namely Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic and Nigeria and will traverse eight boarder towns(Four country- pair land borders beginning from Eric Moore and ending in Abidjan. The project is financed by the African Development Bank.
