ECOWAS Parliament, Nigerian Government Strengthen Ties on Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Project
— Push for Regional Economic Growth, Democratic Partnership
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament and the Nigerian Government have held high-level talks to strengthen regional cooperation and facilitate the successful implementation of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor project, a transformative transnational highway set to enhance economic integration and mobility across West Africa.
The development came to light during a visit by the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Rt. Hon. Memounatou Ibrahima, to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, in Abuja on Friday. The Speaker was accompanied by a delegation including the Fourth Deputy Speaker, Hon. Billay Tunkara, and Secretary General Mr. Bertin Some.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Speaker Ibrahima said the visit aimed to deepen bilateral cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in mobilising support for ongoing and future ECOWAS projects that would benefit citizens across the region.
The Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, a 1,028-kilometre coastal highway, is expected to connect Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. Once completed, the highway will link a projected urban population of over 170 million people by 2050. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026 and conclude in 2030.
The corridor is anticipated to significantly boost trade, industrial growth, rural-urban connectivity, and economic competitiveness across the sub-region.
Ambassador Tuggar described the ECOWAS Parliament as a vital democratic institution representing the voice of West African citizens. He noted that the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor is a flagship project with the potential to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development in the region.
“The ECOWAS Parliament is an embodiment of regional representation and constitutional governance. Given West Africa’s rapid demographic growth, initiatives like this are timely and strategic,” the Minister said.
Beyond infrastructure, the two sides explored opportunities to strengthen regional cooperation in education, technology, youth empowerment, and innovation. They also deliberated on the recently launched ECOWAS-UNDP Regional Partnership for Democracy, which encourages member states to adopt region-specific democratic frameworks that reflect local cultures and values.
Ambassador Tuggar praised the Parliament’s commitment to democratic advocacy, stating, “Democracy has no single owner or format. In Africa, we interpret it through our own cultural lens, and we are committed to building strong democratic institutions that reflect this.”
He commended the visit of Speaker Ibrahima, noting it as a significant step towards reinforcing mutual goals of governance, development, and regional unity.
Source: Kwaku Sakyi-Danso
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