ECOWAS on Thursday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia approved 50 million dollars for the commencement of detailed design studies of the Trans-West Africa highway project.
Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan announced the approval during a meeting of ECOWAS member-states on infrastructure development, held on the sidelines of the ongoing 22nd AU Summit in Addis Ababa.
Jonathan presided over the meeting on behalf of the ECOWAS Chairman and Cote d’Ivoire President, Alassane Ouattara.
The project is expected to link 12 countries in the sub-region.
Jonathan said ECOWAS also approved a 16.6 million dollars request for the assistance from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The request was presented by the ministerial steering committee for the project, headed by Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen.
“The ECOWAS leaders’ agreement was in principle as the modalities for contributions for the 50 million dollars will be worked out at the next ECOWAS Heads of State and Government’s meeting,’’ Jonathan said.
He also said the sub-regional body approved a request by the ministerial committee for a draft treaty on member-countries’ commitment to the project, also known as Abidjan-Lagos corridor.
“In terms of the details on how we can quickly raise the money and the ratio of contribution, we will take that decision immediately we get to Abuja.
“But I will also discuss with (President) Ouattara tonight (Thursday night) if anything can be done before our next meeting,’’ he said.
The ECOWAS Commission President, Kadre Ouedraogo, also attended the meeting.
Later, Onolememen told newsmen the project when completed would strengthen proper regional integration in West Africa and open up the sub-region for commerce.
“Imagine what a six-lane dual carriageway leading from Lagos to Abidjan and Abidjan to Dakar will do to the economy of the region. It will completely transform the region.
“Nigeria alone provides 50 per cent of the population in the sub-region. So, that means manufacturers and businessmen will have unfettered access to the vast market in the region,’’ he said.
(NAN)
