The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has initiated negotiations with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to secure funding for key sections of Nigeria’s coastal and trans-Saharan highways.
The discussions, held at the Minister’s office in Abuja, involved a delegation from AfDB, led by Mike Salawou, the Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development.
Umahi stated that these highways would provide essential infrastructure and promote industrialization along their routes, forming a comprehensive network of well-maintained roads that would enhance transportation and trade across the North-South corridors.
The Minister highlighted investment opportunities in infrastructure development, including hospitality, tourism, agriculture, real estate, parks, and industrial sectors along these routes.
Funding from AfDB would be used for sections of the coastal and trans-Saharan highways that are yet to be constructed, awarded, or taken over by concessionaires under the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI).
The coastal highway project, stretching 700 kilometers, aims to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and ending in Cross River. Extensions, such as the spur to the Ogoja road and the African Trans-Saharan Road leading to Cameroon, are also planned.
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The first phase of the coastal road, spanning 47.47 kilometers from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki deep seaport, has been awarded to Hi-tech Construction Limited. Subsequent phases aim to extend the road to the border between Ogun and Ondo States.
Umahi expressed confidence that the coastal highway project would attract various investors, with Hi-tech Construction Nigeria Limited leading the initiative. Discussions with Hi-tech, the Minister of Finance, and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy are expected to further the project’s development.
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Salawo, representing AfDB, reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting economic growth and social advancement in member countries. He assured robust support for Nigeria, emphasizing the bank’s readiness to provide technical and financial assistance for road infrastructure development.
Salawou highlighted the importance of the road dualization project between Nigeria and Cameroon, noting its potential to enhance regional integration and trade relations, given Nigeria’s position as Cameroon’s primary trade ally.