Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Generates 200,000 Tons of Goods Annually Despite High Transit Levy

The Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, a critical trade route in West Africa, is thriving despite challenges, with over 200,000 tons of goods transported annually. This corridor represents 90% of the volume of goods in the Economic Community of West African States. Salami Nasiru Alasoadua, Vice President of National and International Affairs and Coordinator of the Eastern Corridor of West African Cross Border Traders, highlighted the importance of a functional weighbridge and tollgates on the Nigerian side to penalize transporters who disregard axle load policies, protecting road infrastructure.

The corridor faces several challenges, including high transit levies, particularly in the Republic of Benin, where non-functional scanners at the border have led to inaccurate weight estimates affecting traders and customs revenue. Other issues include erratic electricity supply, lack of customs connectivity, and unstable internet flow, which hinder trade efficiency. The absence of fire brigade services poses a significant risk in case of emergencies, and transporters often overload goods and lack proper documentation, compromising road infrastructure and trade facilitation ¹.

Alasoadua emphasized the need for private sector reorganization to prevent overloading and ensure proper documentation. Traders spend more hours on the road due to numerous checkpoints between Mile 2 and Seme, a 100-kilometer journey that can take up to two days. Efforts are underway to address these issues, with the West African Cross Border Traders Association meeting with relevant ministries and establishing a Benin-Nigeria commission to resolve problems.

The Abidjan-Lagos Corridor is a vital economic driver for West Africa, connecting major cities and ports, facilitating the free movement of people and goods, reducing trade costs, and stimulating economic growth. The African Development Bank is investing in the corridor’s development, with plans to create an economic corridor that will support industrialization and job creation. The corridor’s significance extends beyond trade, with the potential to transform West Africa’s economy and promote regional economic integration ¹ ².