ECOWAS, Nigeria strengthen ties to drive Abidjan-Lagos highway project

Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS, Parliament and Nigeria government have opened discussions on joint efforts to ensure the successful implementation of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway project, a critical infrastructure initiative set to boost trade, connectivity, and economic integration across five West African countries.
The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, disclosed this when she led a parliamentary delegation on a courtesy visit to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in Abuja.
The 1,028-kilometre highway will span Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria, linking major cities and supporting an urban population projected to exceed 170 million by 2050. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion targeted by 2030.
“The Abidjan-Lagos Corridor is not just a road, it is an economic lifeline for West Africa,” Ibrahima said. “This visit is part of efforts to consolidate support and ensure all member states benefit from the developmental impact of ECOWAS initiatives.”
Ambassador Tuggar, for his part, underscored the importance of the ECOWAS Parliament as a pillar of democratic governance in the region, noting that democratic representation is crucial in guiding economic and developmental policies.
“ECOWAS Parliament reflects the will of our people. Its role is central to ensuring policies and projects are people-driven,” the Minister said. “The corridor project is key to driving economic growth, industrialization, and improved trade across West Africa.”
Beyond infrastructure, both sides discussed cooperation in areas such as education, technology, youth empowerment, and innovation.
They also explored ways to bolster democratic governance through regional frameworks, including the recently launched ECOWAS-UNDP partnership on democracy promotion.
Tuggar underscored the importance of the ECOWAS Parliament as a pillar of democratic governance in the region.