Nigeria, Chad Discuss Abidjan-Lagos Highway and Direct Transport Link

Nigeria and the Republic of Chad are advancing discussions on the Abidjan-Lagos highway project, focusing on establishing a direct transportation link between the two nations. Nigeria's Minister of Works, David Umahi, met with a Chadian delegation led by Minister of Infrastructure and Road Maintenance, Amir Idriss Kourda, to deliberate on the Fluvio Lacustrine Connectivity Programme.

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activating partnerships and fostering collaborations to address common challenges and to aggregate, harness and project the shared strength of the Sahel region towards realising the full economic potential of the continent of Africa.

The proposed direct link involves constructing a 65km bridge over Lake Chad. Officials highlighted the project's potential to enhance regional connectivity, foster economic development, and strengthen social cohesion and diplomatic ties. Chad's delegation emphasized the project's importance, noting that their president is in communication with Nigeria's president regarding its implementation.

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I am happy that you mentioned that your President is in touch with our President on this project. The two countries have a broad and brotherly relationship. We welcome you with open arms. The co-operation between the two countries has been there, especially on security and economy, and Chad is a very important partner to Nigeria. We assure you that the project is key to the development of Nigeria and Chad. As a Ministry of Works, we are capable and ready to do our part as soon as we are given a nod by Mr. President.

Minister Umahi assured Chad of Nigeria's dedication to activating partnerships and collaborations to harness the Sahel region's strengths for Africa's economic potential. He stated that the Ministry of Works is prepared to proceed once presidential approval is granted. The Chadian minister requested technical and administrative meetings to finalize the modalities for the program, which could also encompass port, transport, and fluvial infrastructure, alongside joint efforts to preserve the Lake Chad ecosystem.

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The leader of the Chadian delegation and Chadian minister of infrastructure said they were in the country to discuss the establishment of a direct transportation link between Chad and Nigeria, which majorly is the construction of a bridge over the Lake Chad, a total of 65km.