The Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by Minister of Works David Umahi, has initiated talks with the African Development Bank to get financing for essential sections of Nigeria’s coastal and trans-Saharan roads.
The Times reported that, a delegation from the African Development Bank led by the Director of Infrastructure and Urban Development, Mike Salawou, had discussions on possible funding in the Minister of Works’ office in Abuja on Tuesday according to a statement posted on the ministry’s website,
Umahi emphasized that “The Trans-Sahara and Coastal Highways will promote development and provide long-lasting infrastructure along their routes.
“It is expected that these highways would provide a vast network of well-paved roadways, supporting a strong transportation system and trade routes across North-South corridors.”
The Minister said that “There are several potentials for infrastructure development along these roads, including those in the hospitality, tourism, real estate, agriculture, parks and industrial sectors.
According to Umahi, in order to address the portions of the coastal and trans-Saharan highways that have not yet been built, granted, or taken over by concessionaires under the Highway Development and Management Initiative, financing from the African Development Bank would be needed.
The minister discussed the 700-kilometer coastal highway project, stating that it would pass through the coastal states of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom before arriving at Cross River. Additionally, the minister mentioned that there would be extensions, such as the Ogoja road spur and the African Trans-Sahara Road leading to Cameroon.
Umahi went on to say that “In order to guarantee methodical development and implementation, the coastal road project has been painstakingly designed in phases.” He disclosed that Hi-tech Construction Limited has been awarded the 47.47-kilometer initial segment of phase one last week.
He stated that “This first stage ends at the Lekki Peninsula and runs from Ahmadu Bello Way to the Lekki deep seaport.
“Phase two of the coastal road is planned to go from the conclusion of phase one to the border between the states of Ogun and Ondo, a distance of around 57 km.”
