The Chadian Government has formally requested Nigeria’s support for the construction of a 65-kilometre bridge across Lake Chad to establish a direct transport link between the two countries.

Mr. Amir Idriss Kourda, Chad’s Minister of Infrastructure and Road Maintenance, disclosed this on Tuesday during a bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Abuja. He said the project is part of a broader Fluvio-Lacustrine Connectivity Programme aimed at deepening regional integration.

Kourda explained that the proposed bridge corridor would facilitate the movement of people and goods, promote economic growth, improve accessibility, strengthen social cohesion, and enhance political and diplomatic cooperation across the Sahel region.

He called for immediate technical and administrative engagements between both countries to outline the modalities, financing arrangements, and collaborative frameworks for the project. Discussions, he added, could also cover port and transport infrastructure as well as joint initiatives to safeguard the Lake Chad ecosystem.

Responding, Senator Umahi assured that Nigeria remains committed to regional development partnerships. He described Chad as a strategic and longstanding ally, adding that the Ministry of Works would act once formal communication and presidential approval are obtained.

Earlier, Umahi received a delegation from the ECOWAS Commission, which briefed him on technical studies and financing options for the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Project. He directed that additional inputs be incorporated ahead of the next ECOWAS Steering Committee meeting scheduled for December 19, which will hold virtually.