The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) for West Africa yesterday assured to provide 70 percent of the third legacy super highway project of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The assurance came on Thursday during an inspection tour of some sections of the road in Afikpo North area of Ebonyi State by the leader of a delegation from the bank, Mamuna Sidibe.
In his remarks, the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, who conducted the ECOWAS team around the projects, said the project, when completed, would link the people of Cross River, Ebonyi, Benue and Kogi.
He explained that the bank is expected to fund the project to the tune of 70 percent of the cost, while the 30 percent would come from the federal government.
“This project will create an important economic corridor for the movement of goods and services.
“Also, upon completion, the project would significantly reduce travel time, improve access to markets and strengthen commercial activities within the South-East and beyond.
“And the vision of Mr. President is to use infrastructure as a tool for economic growth and national integration among the people of Ebonyi and Cross River States.
“And would also enhance regional trade and economic cooperation with neighbouring countries, like Cameroon,” he said.
Earlier, the ECOWAS Team lead, Sidibe said, “On behalf of the management of ECOWAS Bank, it is a very important project and we are very happy to have come with you to inspect the project.
“And we assure that we are going to finance this very all-important project. Important because of the development it will bring, and the innovation of the project.
“Also, we are very impressed with the quality of the job using concrete design to build a road that would last for decades,” she said.
