Single currency: ECOWAS invests on transport, infrastructure projects
Sequel to the 2020 Single Currency Road Map, ECOWAS has embarked on massive infrastructural projects that would fast track the commencement of the economic integration policy.
The President of ECOWAS Commission Jean-Claude Brou, disclosed that about 10 major joint border posts and a 1000 km Highway Corridor linking several countries, were in the pipeline of the regional transportation and infrastructural plans.
Mr Jean-Claude Brou in his state of the community report, at the ongoing second ordinary session of the ECOWAS Parliament, disclosed these in Abuja on Wednesday.
With financial support from the European Union, these projects are expected to solve some of the challenges impeding the free movement of people and goods across the region.
“Besides the two border posts already completed, we have infrastructure we are working on, one is the high way corridor between Nigeria, Benin, Ghana,Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire.
“The Praia-Dakar-Abidjan corridor development program, covering 7 corridors countries, financing request to the African Development Bank in August, estimated at $45 million.
“We are also promoting integration-Based Air transport Projects, with action plan of single African Air Transport Market.
“These infrastructures are ongoing, all countries have signed and ratified the treaty for these corridors.
“The agreement for the authority that would be in charge of managing this corridor was also been signed by all ministers concerned in Abidjan.
He said the high way corridor will cover almost 1000Km of highway, and it will greatly facilitate movement of persons.”
According to the President, Free Air Transport is another area the region intends to address, and a plan of action to reduce different tax that impact high cost of travelling is also underway.
Mr Brou also hinted on the upcoming plan to increase the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products in the region, as well as the harmonization of professional certificates across member states.
