The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially revealed that the long-anticipated Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire-Lagos highway project, covering a distance of 1028 kilometres, is set to commence in January 2024.
The project will initiate the procurement phase for main construction activities, followed by the actual construction work.
According to ECOWAS officials, the project aims to connect major cities and foster regional development.
To prepare for the implementation of the project, ECOWAS has initiated a validation workshop.
The workshop, held in Lagos, was organised by the project implementation unit of the ECOWAS Spatial Development Initiative.
It served as a platform for experts to share ideas and conduct comprehensive assessments of the highway project’s physical, economic, and social aspects.
Ebere Izunobi, the Chairman of the Spatial Development Initiative, disclosed that experts from five ECOWAS member countries—Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic, and Côte d’Ivoire—participated in discussions surrounding the project.
This infrastructure initiative is expected to significantly improve people’s lives along the corridor, enhance regional connectivity, and promote economic growth in the West African region.
Experts say the commencement of the Abidjan-Lagos highway project represents a pivotal step in regional development, fostering closer ties and cooperation among ECOWAS member states while facilitating the movement of people and goods within the region.
