The Economic Community of West African States has highlighted the urgent need to dismantle excessive checkpoints and stringent land border restrictions that impede trade flow in the Abidjan-Lagos Highway corridor.
This was at a three-day workshop held in Cotonou, aimed at tackling the pressing issues that hinder seamless movement and trade across the region.
The workshop, which had participants from various sectors, including government officials, transport experts, and stakeholders, gathered to discuss the challenges faced along the corridor, which spans approximately 1,028 kilometers and links major cities such as Lagos, Cotonou, Lomé, Accra, and Abidjan.
During the workshop, participants emphasised the importance of adhering to established ECOWAS regulations that align with international best practices.
They argued that such compliance is crucial for fostering an environment conducive for trade and economic growth.
Director of Transport at the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Chris Appiah, explained that once completed, the Corridor Trade and Transport Facilitation framework will contain a comprehensive set of measures to be implemented together before and after the construction of the six-lane dual carriage supranational highway from Abidjan to Lagos.
“This is expected to contribute significantly to enhancing intra-regional trade, free movement community citizens, vehicles and related services under the ECOWAS regional integration Agenda, while positioning Member States properly to benefit from trading under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement,” he said.
The project, once implemented, would generate social and economic activities, promote cross-border trade and integrate economies within the ECOWAS community. This will help to reduce the poverty levels of the people who depend on the transport modes of the corridor for their livelihoods.
