FG ASSURES ECOWAS, AfDB OF COMMITMENT TO THE REALIZATION OF THE 1,028KM LAGOS–ABIDJAN CORRIDOR PROJECT — Flags design issues, to develop a model aligned with the peculiarities of Nigerian roads The Federal Government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the actualization of the 1028km Lagos–Abidjan Corridor, a major regional highway expected to transform trade and connectivity across West Africa. This assurance was given by the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON during a high-level meeting in his office, Mabushi, Abuja on Thursday, April 23, 2026, with delegations from the ECOWAS Commission and the African Development Bank. The team visited Nigeria in his capacity as Chairman of the Steering Committee for the project and the country’s representative at the ministerial level, to brief him on progress and resolve outstanding technical and financing issues. The project is connecting Cote D’Ivoire from Abidjan, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria from Lagos.  Speaking at the meeting, Umahi conveyed the backing of the president, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR stressing that infrastructure development remains central to the administration’s agenda. “I bring greetings from His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, who is fully committed to infrastructural development in Nigeria,” the minister said. He explained that the Lagos–Abidjan corridor, spanning about 1,028 kilometres, is being developed to match the scale and ambition of Nigeria’s ongoing Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway. According to him, the project will feature reinforced concrete pavement, three lanes on each carriageway, and modern road design standards aimed at long-term durability. Umahi used the opportunity to highlight the scale of ongoing road investments across Nigeria, linking them directly to the regional corridor vision. He noted that major sections of the Sokoto–Badagry route are already under construction, with significant financial commitments. “At the end of the corridor, which will connect with the Lagos–Abidjan route at Badagry, we have the Badagry section, one hundred and sixty-two kilometers, already awarded and ongoing,” he said. “We are also going to the Federal Executive Council for the Uyo section, one hundred and eighty kilometers, for award this week.” He emphasized that the Lagos–Abidjan project is not isolated but part of a broader network of interconnected highways, including the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and several legacy routes cutting across all six geopolitical zones. “This project will drive trade across West Africa and the African coast,” Umahi stated, adding that the coastal highway alone covers 750 kilometres, with multiple sections already completed, ongoing, or nearing commissioning. Providing further updates, he said: “Section one, forty-seven point four seven kilometers in Lagos, is completed and will be commissioned in May. Section two, fifty-five kilometers, will reach the Ogun boundary and is expected to be completed by December.” He added that construction is also advancing steadily in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, with additional sections heading to the Federal Executive Council for approval. Beyond the coastal route, the minister outlined a third legacy corridor linking Lagos to Abuja through Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi, and Nasarawa States, as well as a fourth corridor extending from Abuja through the North-Central and North-East regions. “These projects represent a major transformation not just for Nigeria but for the wider West African region,” he said. Umahi also pointed to ongoing work on critical national highways such as the Abuja–Kano road, parts of which are expected to be completed within the year, alongside projects like Sokoto–Zamfara–Kaduna–Katsina, Enugu–Onitsha, and the East–West Road. According to him, the Tinubu administration is deliberately prioritizing durability by adopting reinforced concrete technology for many of the roads. “President Bola Tinubu is delivering durable infrastructure designed to last over one hundred years,” he said. “His approach to economic reform, including subsidy removal and currency adjustments is long-term national planning, even if not fully understood by the public.” On the Lagos–Abidjan corridor itself, the minister explained that there are unresolved issues. He raised concerns about design and unequal distribution of the corridor length among participating countries. “On the engineering side, I will be direct. There are unresolved issues on the Lagos–Abidjan corridor,” Umahi stated. “The distribution of corridor length across countries is unequal and can only be resolved at the level of heads of state.” He disclosed that Nigeria’s section of the corridor is approximately 79.5 kilometres but will be executed to a higher standard than originally proposed. “I am executing mine with reinforced concrete and three lanes, not the two-lane ECOWAS design. I have also rejected aspects of the ECOWAS design due to lack of consultation and impractical elements,” he said. Umahi added that Nigeria is currently developing its own design framework, expected to be completed within two weeks, taking into account existing infrastructure and real-world conditions along the route. “We are developing our own design… It will account for existing infrastructure, obstacles along the corridor, and practical implementation realities,” he explained. He stressed that decisions on funding models must be taken at the highest political level before the project can proceed to procurement and full financing. “Once the design is finalized and approved by member states, the funding model must be agreed by heads of state… Until that is resolved, moving into procurement and financing is premature. That is my position,” he said. Despite these challenges, the minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the project. “We remain committed to this project because it will connect Nigeria’s infrastructure to neighboring countries and deliver mutual benefits,” he said, announcing plans to host ECOWAS and technical teams for further engagement. Earlier, the ECOWAS Director of Transport, Chris Appiah, explained that the mission was part of ongoing consultations with member states. “Honorable Minister… we have had several engagements with your project focal team and your technical consultants on the Nigeria section of the highway,” he said. “We have gone through the designs, taken comments, and provided responses.” He noted that similar consultations had been held with Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Togo, while engagement with Benin is scheduled to follow its recent elections. “We are here today to report to you as the Chair of the Steering Committee… and to take any final issues on the technical side,” Appiah added. On financing, the African Development Bank delegation, led by Salawou Mike Moukaila, described the project as a top priority for the bank. “As you tasked the bank to mobilize financing for the corridor, we have taken this very seriously,” Moukaila said. “Our senior management, including the president of the bank, has made this project a priority because it will enhance regional integration.” He explained that the bank is currently undertaking an “identification mission” across 25 countries to design a financing framework and kick-start an initial phase of the project. “There is strong interest from co-financiers within and outside Africa,” he noted. “They want to see the bank take the lead in financing and mobilizing its instruments.” Moukaila added that the initiative aligns with the strategic priorities of the bank’s leadership, particularly in promoting infrastructure, trade, and regional integration. He also emphasized Nigeria’s central role in the success of the corridor. “The Nigerian section is strategically important because a significant portion of trade originates from Nigeria along this corridor,” he said. In closing, the AfDB delegation commended the Nigerian government for its infrastructure drive. “On behalf of the bank, we commend President Bola Tinubu and the Minister for championing infrastructure development in Nigeria, which is critical for regional connectivity across West, Central, and East Africa,” Moukaila said. He described the Lagos–Abidjan Corridor as “a game changer” and invited the minister to share Nigeria’s experience at the upcoming Africa Transport Forum in Abidjan. ...

HAPPY 69TH BIRTHDAY TO ALH. ALIKO DANGOTE  I warmly congratulate my dear brother, and President/CEO, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON on the occasion of his 69th birthday. Your remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s industrial growth remain a source of pride, and I deeply appreciate your partnership in our concrete road revolution, an initiative that is delivering more durable and high-quality road infrastructure across the country. I wish you continued good health, strength, and greater accomplishments in the years ahead. Senator Engr. David Nweze Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE  Honourable Minister of Works   ...

*FG PAYS TRIBUTE TO SENATOR MPIGI, CELEBRATES LEGACY OF INTEGRITY AND NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT* The Honourable Minister of Works, Sen. Engr. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Mpigi Barinada Barry, describing his passing as a profound loss to the nation and the infrastructure sector. The memorial event drew an array of prominent dignitaries and personalities, including prominent politicians, APC and PDP chieftains, and traditional leaders from Ogoniland, among others. Engr. Umahi delivered a Goodwill Message during the Night of Tribute held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of Senator Barinada and noting that his death remains painful and difficult to accept, given his invaluable contributions to national development. Reflecting on their relationship, the Minister recalled that his closeness with the late Senator was strengthened through the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which allowed him to observe Senator Mpigi’s character firsthand. He described the late lawmaker, who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District, as a man of impeccable integrity, whose word was his bond, emphasising that such consistency is rare in politics. The Minister praised the late Senator’s dedication, loyalty, and reputation as a bridge-builder who brought his colleagues together, across party divisions, in the national interest, referencing his key role in the emergence of Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President. According to him, Senator Mpigi distinguished himself as a national figure, who demonstrated uncommon commitment to projects beyond his immediate constituency, advocating vigorously for infrastructure development across the country, including Lagos, Ogun, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Kano States, just to name a few. Engr. Umahi emphasised that, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, the late Senator Mpigi’s leadership greatly strengthened legislative oversight and fostered close collaboration between the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Works, ensuring the successful delivery of key infrastructure projects. He particularly cited Senator Mpigi’s role in resolving critical challenges on major road projects, including the Bodo-Bonny Road and the rehabilitation of the Eleme–Onne section of the East-West Road in Rivers State. He noted that the Senator’s calm disposition, humility, and selfless approach to public service, combined with his strategic intervention and commitment, were instrumental in ensuring the successful continuation and delivery of these projects. The Minister also revealed that, in recognition of Senator Mpigi’s selfless service and dedication, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the rerouting of a section of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway to pass through Ogoniland - an enduring testament to the late lawmaker’s legacy. He expressed deep regret that Senator Mpigi would not witness the commissioning of several landmark projects he contributed to, including the Bodo-Bonny Road, the redesigned Eleme–Onne Road, and sections of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway. Engr. Umahi assured the bereaved family of the Federal Government’s continued support, pledging that the Ministry of Works, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, would sustain and actualise the developmental vision championed by the late Senator. “We will not forget his family, his community, and his good intentions for Nigeria. His legacy of integrity, patriotism, and service will continue to inspire the nation and guide ongoing infrastructure development efforts,” he said. He prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and urged Nigerians to take solace in his impactful life and enduring contributions to national development.   ...