Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, vice president, has encouraged the five nations engaged in the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project to accelerate resource mobilization in order for the project to get off the ground.
He asserted that the speedy completion of the 1,028-kilometer road project was essential for the sub-region's sustainable growth since it would enhance transit and ease business operations, especially following the adoption of the Africa Continent Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In a speech delivered yesterday in Accra during the inaugural session of the 19th ministerial steering committee meeting of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project, Senior Advisor to the President Yaw Osafo-Maafo, the Vice President, made the appeal.
Ministers in charge of roads and infrastructure from the five nations that make up the corridor—Benin, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo—are present at the conference.
The steering committee has been working on topics including developing the legislative framework to direct the construction of the road infrastructure, harmonising the technical standards and specifications, raising money, and procurement for different stages of the project over the past ten or so years.
public policy priority
Dr. Bawumia noted that now that the majority of the preliminary work had been completed, it was time for the project's participating nations to show more commitment to the project's launch.
He emphasized that the government had given the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Project top priority because it would be a game-changer. He remarked, "We eagerly anticipate the day when the sod will be cut for the start of work."
The vice president continued by saying that the sub-region will fully benefit from the highway project with the integration of the rail infrastructure and industrial zones along the corridor.
The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta, stated that before the project started, funding needed to be made available to obtain the right of way as soon as feasible, and the cost of compensation needed to be rapidly appraised.
According to him, Ghana had finished educating residents in the areas along the highway project's projected path, and it was clear that the chiefs and populace were eager for construction to start.
However, he noted that it was essential to provide compensation payments on time since failing to do so may potentially impede development or effort.
Optimism
He expressed hope that the project would be completed with greater dedication from the steering committee and other stakeholders.
"The task of developing this corridor highway project going through five countries is a daunting task, but given the commitment shown by our steering committee, ably supported by the team of experts, I am convinced that we shall deliver this project to the benefit of ECOWAS," he added.
The committee has been attentive in carrying out its duties, according to Babatunde Raji Fashola, the project's chairman for the highway between Abidjan and Lagos.
According to the Nigerian Minister of Works and Housing, the committee has laid a strong foundation for the project's execution phase.
According to him, the groundwork had been laid for the highway to be built in accordance with contemporary dynamics in development and the environment, such as the global climate crisis and sustainability concerns.
Mr. Babatunde urged the ECOWAS Commission to step in and convince Benin to return to the planning stage so that the project could be carried out in its entirety.
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