Development and Asphalting of the Alembe–Lopé–Carrefour Leroy Mykouyi Road: Nigerian-Style Infrastructure Drive for Economic Integration
In a development that mirrors Nigeria’s ongoing push for strategic road infrastructure as a catalyst for national integration and economic growth, the Government of Gabon, in partnership with Porteo BTP Gabon, has officially commenced the development and asphalting of the Alembe–Lopé–Carrefour Leroy Mykouyi Road.
The project, which was formally flagged off on Friday, 6 February, bears strong resemblance to Nigeria’s federal and state-led road initiatives aimed at improving connectivity between regions, enhancing trade routes, and stimulating socio-economic development.
The construction firm executing the project, Porteo BTP Gabon, is a subsidiary of the pan-African Porteo Group, led by Hassan Dakhallallah.
Spanning approximately 306 kilometres, the road is a major infrastructure corridor comparable to Nigeria’s inter-state and federal highways linking economic zones.
The official launch ceremony was attended by top government officials, including the Vice-President of the Government, Hermann Immongault, and the Minister of Public Works and Construction, Edgard Moukombi. Also present were Yaya Konate, Managing Director of Porteo BTP Gabon, and Papa Amadou Sarr, Managing Director of the Porteo Group.
Local communities turned out in large numbers, reflecting a familiar Nigerian scenario where host communities eagerly welcome road projects that promise improved access, commerce, and development.
For residents, the road represents a vital artery for territorial integration and seamless movement of goods and people between the centre-south and north-east of the country—similar to Nigeria’s strategic economic corridors linking agricultural belts to commercial hubs.
A Strategic Tool for Regional Development. According to Porteo BTP Gabon, the modernization of the Alembe–Lopé–Carrefour Leroy Mykouyi axis will significantly reduce travel time, improve road safety, and support agricultural, forestry, and commercial activities—outcomes that closely align with Nigeria’s infrastructure development objectives under its national economic and transportation policies.
Beyond improved mobility, the project is positioned as a strategic instrument for regional opening and inclusive development. It is expected to directly support economic growth, enhance social interaction, and strengthen regional integration.
In line with best practices commonly adopted in Nigeria’s major infrastructure projects, the construction phase will generate massive employment opportunities. Sources indicate that the project will engage about 1,400 workers, alongside hundreds of heavy-duty machines and equipment. This underscores its role in youth employment, skills development, and local content participation—key priorities within Nigeria’s development framework.
Environmental Protection and Sustainable Construction
Just as Nigerian infrastructure projects are required to comply with environmental impact assessments and safety regulations, Porteo BTP Gabon has committed to strict adherence to Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) standards. Special attention is being given to the protection of ecosystems along the road corridor.
Notably, the project will be executed with full respect for the Lopé National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ensuring that construction activities do not compromise biodiversity or environmental sustainability.
Reaffirming the broader African development vision, Hassan Dakhallallah described the Porteo Group as a pan-African enterprise committed to building “an industrial, autonomous, and connected Africa that creates sustainable value for governments and citizens.”
Through the Alembe–Lopé–Carrefour Leroy Mykouyi Road project, Porteo BTP Gabon reinforces its position as a critical partner in delivering large-scale road infrastructure—projects that open up territories, drive local economic development, and improve the quality of life of communities, much like Nigeria’s ongoing investments in strategic road networks nationwide.