President Muhammadu Buhari and his Cameroonian counterpart, Paul Biya, opened a bridge between Nigeria and Cameroon on Thursday in Etung local government area. The bridge cost several million dollars.
The bridge, which has two lanes and is worth approximately 44 million dollars, is situated at the Nigeria-Cameroon border in the communities of Mfum in the Etung local government area of Cross River and Ekok on the Cameroonian side.
A joint border post has also been opened in the Cross River community of Mfum, which is part of the Etung local government region.
Amb. Zubairu Dada, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, spoke for President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr. Emmanuel Njoumessi, Minister of Public Works, spoke for President Paul Biya of Cameroon.
Buhari said that the project showed how friendly and cooperative the two countries were with each other.
He continued by saying that the initiative will improve trade and bolster relations between the nations.
“This project is part of the ongoing Nigeria/Cameroon multinational highway facilitation programme.
“This bridge and post prove that when African countries work together with African institutions, outstanding projects can be achieved in record time.
“This project has the potential to enhance economic activities within our region and also facilitate the free movement of persons, goods, and services within the countries along the corridor,” he said.
On his part, the Cameroonian President said the project illustrated the confidence between both countries.
“The construction of the bridge over Cross River is part of the transport facilitation programme on the Bamenda-Mamfe-Abakaliki-Enugu corridor.
“The corridor covers 441 km of road and will contribute to facilitating trade and strengthening relations between Cameroon and Nigeria.
“Today, the Bamenda-Enugu corridor is fully tarred, and one can comfortably drive from Bamenda to Enugu or from Yaounde to Abuja to cover 1100 km or do his business on either side,” he said.
He continued by saying that Cameroon would make whatever effort to maintain its peaceful border relationship with Nigeria.
The project has been completed, according to Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Works and Housing, who also thanked everyone who contributed to making it happen.
“This bridge is part of route 8, it is not just connecting Nigeria and Cameroon but we are trying to connect Lagos to Mombasa in Kenya which is the significance of the bridge,” he said.
