BY EMMA PETER, ABUJA
The Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, has chaired the 23rd Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project in Lomé, Togo, as part of efforts to accelerate the delivery of the strategic regional infrastructure initiative.
The meeting, held on Friday, October 30, 2026, brought together ministers, technical experts, representatives of participating countries and development partners to assess progress and deliberate on key issues affecting the implementation of the project.
According to a press statement by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works on Media, Umahi, who serves as Chairman of the Ministerial Steering Committee, provided leadership at the meeting, which focused on strengthening regional connectivity, facilitating cross-border trade and promoting economic integration across West Africa.
The statement explained that the ministerial meeting followed the 23rd Technical Meeting of the Committee of Experts, comprising project directors and engineers, held on October 26 and 27, 2026.
At the technical meeting, experts reviewed progress across various components of the highway project and examined strategies for advancing the technical studies required for its successful implementation.
Key issues considered included the project’s right-of-way, which is essential for construction activities, the continued operationalisation of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Management Authority (ALCoMA), and efforts to mobilise investment financing through the African Development Bank (AfDB), which serves as the project’s Mandatory Lead Arranger.
The experts also assessed complementary projects and interventions being undertaken by other development partners to ensure an integrated approach to the development of the corridor.
At the ministerial session, the Steering Committee was expected to consider and adopt the report and recommendations of the Committee of Experts, providing ministers with an opportunity to address outstanding technical issues and agree on further actions to advance the project.
The African Development Bank was also scheduled to present an update on investment financing mobilisation, outlining progress achieved and the necessary steps towards securing the funding required for the project.
Similarly, the Board of Directors of ALCoMA presented reports and recommendations from its first and second board meetings for consideration by the Steering Committee.
The ministers were expected to deliberate on the submissions and approve relevant resolutions aimed at strengthening institutional coordination, improving project implementation and ensuring sustained progress.
The Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project is regarded as one of West Africa’s major regional infrastructure initiatives, designed to improve transportation links among participating countries and facilitate the movement of people, goods and services across international borders.
When completed, the project is expected to boost trade, reduce transportation bottlenecks, enhance economic cooperation and create new opportunities for businesses and communities along the corridor.
The Federal Ministry of Works, under the leadership of Umahi and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has continued to pursue strategic infrastructure development as a major instrument for economic growth, national development and regional integration.
