FIC Report (Lagos State) – 17th April 2025 – The Federal Government has clarified how Nigeria fits into the massive Abidjan-Lagos Highway project — a 1,028-kilometre route that aims to connect several West African countries through a modern, multi-lane corridor.
In a press briefing on Thursday, April 17, 2025, Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, shared details on the Nigerian leg of the project. She explained that Nigeria’s portion spans about 79 kilometres, running from Eric Moore in Lagos to the Seme border with Benin.
“This isn’t just any road project,” Kesha said. “The Lagos-Badagry Expressway is part of something bigger — the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway, and our 79km stretch is a key link in that chain.”
According to Kesha, the work is being handled in segments. A 46.2km section from Agbara to Seme has already been awarded to a contractor. Another stretch, from Okokomaiko to Agbara, is being managed by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), while the first 10km — from Eric Moore to Igbo Elerin — falls under the Lagos State Government’s jurisdiction.
She also gave insight into the original vision of the highway, which included a grand 10-lane design with special lanes for light rail and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. However, that vision may be evolving.
“Right now, what’s under construction is a three-lane carriageway, and there are no service lanes yet,” she explained. “But there’s still room to expand. Light rail and BRT corridors might be added later, especially to serve local communities along the way.”
Kesha mentioned that the highway’s right-of-way is expected to span about 120 metres. While the Nigerian section is still in its design phase, the blueprint is expected to be finalized by May 2025, after which full construction can begin.
In preparation, the Federal Ministry of Works has been engaging stakeholders. A recent session at the Seme Border brought together the armed forces, police, paramilitary, and residents from border communities. Earlier, a similar dialogue was held in Agbara, where traditional rulers, youth groups, and community leaders met with officials from the ECOWAS Commission and the Federal Ministry of Works.
This cross-border infrastructure project, driven by the ECOWAS Commission, is expected to significantly boost trade, tourism, and connectivity across the sub-region, linking countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria in a seamless road network.
Signed
Gloria Dawodu
ACI&PRO
17/04/2025.
