Authorities Flag Off N13.83 Billion Transport Project

Minister Of Works, Senator Mohammed Daggash, has unveiled a N13.83 billion transport facilitation programme for Bamenda-Enugu Road Corridor at Mfum in Nigeria and Ekok in the Republic of Cameroon.

The project is part of the trans-African highway programme, being co-financed by the African development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank.

The Japanese International Co-operation Agency is also a co-financier of the programme, initiated to enhance trade and co-operation between Nigeria and the Republic of Cameron.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Sen. Daggash, said the project was part of the Trans-African Highway programme.

He said “The project, which is regional in nature and part of the Trans-African Highway, when completed will link Lagos to Mombasa in Kenya”.

He added that the transport facilitation programme would also boost economic integration between the West Africa (ECOWAS) and Central African (ECCAS) countries noting that the programme was conceived and initiated in line with the objectives of the New Partnership for Africa’s development (NEPAD).

“On the Nigerian side, the programme is being co-financed through a low interest loan of US 161 million from the ADB and part of a credit of US$330 million from the World Bank. The federal Government of Nigeria is contributing 10 per cent of the costs of the works as counterpart funds,” he said.

“Development or reinforcement of roads in the corridor is one of the main component of the multinational highway and transport facilitation programme”.

He stressed that the programme would involve the reconstruction of Abakaliki-Mbok (Ogoja function) Road, which is 85 kilometres for Lot 1 on the Nigerian side.

The Lot 2 of the programme on the Nigerian side also involved the pavement strengthening of 25 kilometre Ikom-Mfam (Cameroon border) Road. Daggash said that the contract for both roads was awarded to Messrs China Civil Engineering Corporation at a total sum of N13.83 billion.

Also speaking, Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River, who lauded the initiative, said the state government was poised to cooperate with all stakeholders to ensure the success of the programme. The governor who was represented by his deputy Mr Efiok Cobham also assured of the desire of government to foster existing cordial relationship between border communities in the areas.