By Dansu Goldmark Pentho The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the successful execution of the ECOWAS Abidjan-Lagos Corri...
By Dansu Goldmark Pentho
At a stakeholders' town hall meeting held over the weekend in Agbara, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Engr. Olukorede Kesha, engaged residents, traditional rulers, and community leaders on the project’s scope and the importance of cooperation.
Kesha emphasized that the designated Right of Way (RoW) must remain untouched to prevent delays and ensure smooth execution.
“The purpose of this meeting is to create awareness among residents along this corridor about the upcoming ECOWAS project,” she stated. “We have observed that some attendees were previously uninformed, making this engagement crucial for clarity.”
She warned that any structures erected after the enumeration process would not be eligible for compensation, as the government is working within a fixed budget.
Addressing concerns raised by stakeholders, Kesha reassured that provisions for street lighting, bridge expansions, and other essential community needs had already been integrated into the project’s blueprint.
With construction set to commence soon, she called for unwavering support from local leaders and residents to prevent unnecessary disruptions.
Project Director of the Communication and Visibility Study for the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project, Mr. David Nwedu, highlighted the road’s economic significance, noting that it facilitates about 75% of ECOWAS’s trade across Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
“This will be a six-lane highway with additional service lanes, effectively making it a ten-lane road,” Nwedu explained. “Lagos State is even considering integrating a rail line to enhance connectivity.”
He also introduced the Spatial Development Initiative (SDI), which aims to transform the corridor into a hub for industrial and trade activities, generating jobs and business opportunities.
Nwedu projected that by 2045, the highway would enable seamless cross-border movement, strengthening regional trade and cooperation.
“The project is set to create thousands of jobs, increase commercial activities, boost industrial development, and attract foreign investment and tourism,” he added.
With construction set to begin, the Federal Government is calling on all stakeholders to ensure compliance with project guidelines, warning that unauthorized structures will not be accommodated in the compensation plan.
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