By Samuel Itsede
The Federal Government of Nigeria today restated its commitment to the implementation of the decades old Trans Saharan road project.
President Mohammedu Buhari, who was represented by Minister of Police Affairs Alhaji Mohammed
Danjadi at the 70th section of the Trans Saharan Road Committee meeting in Abuja, said that Nigeria was increasing and improving its road infrastructure in line with the objectives of the project to make the country more competitive, noting that,
“Nigeria supports the Trans Saharan Road Project with investment on key roads linking the project for regional integration” He
Thanked members of the committee for its commitment to the project.
Also speaking during the occasion minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola, recalled that the last section of the Committee was held in Algeria in 2014, saying that the current meeting would enable stakeholders to review what has been done since then.
Giving insight into the project, Fashola said that the project is designed to connect African countries from coast to coast and was part of the larger Trans African Road network. He noted that the Trans Saharan Road network has 9 major highways out of which 3 passes through Nigeria. Major parts of the highway in Nigeria, according to the Minister are the Lagos/Ibadan and Abuja Kano highways, which he said are receiving the attention of the federal government through expansion so that they can accommodate more traffic.
Ayade Mohammed the Secretary General of Trans Saharan Road Committee in his speech thanked Nigeria for hosting the secession noting that it would be an opportunity to evaluate the progress of the project.
The three days meeting would include a working session and a technical session including field visit.
Member countries of the Trans Saharan Road Committee are: Nigeria, Tunisia, Algeria, Mali, Niger and Tchad
