By Suleiman Abdulmumin
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the 1,028km Lagos–Abidjan Corridor project, a major regional highway aimed at boosting trade and connectivity across West Africa.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, gave the assurance during a meeting in Abuja with delegations from ECOWAS and the African Development Bank (AfDB), stressing that the project remains a top priority of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Umahi noted that the corridor, linking Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, will be built to high standards, featuring reinforced concrete pavement and three lanes on each carriageway for durability.
He, however, raised concerns over unresolved design issues and the unequal distribution of the corridor length among participating countries, stating that such matters require decisions at the level of heads of state.
Nigeria’s section, estimated at about 79.5km, will be upgraded beyond the original ECOWAS design, with the government developing a revised framework tailored to local conditions.
Despite the challenges, Umahi reiterated Nigeria’s commitment, describing the project as vital for regional integration and economic growth.
Officials from ECOWAS and AfDB confirmed ongoing consultations and strong financing interest, with the bank identifying the corridor as a priority project expected to enhance trade and connectivity across the region.