From Judex Okoro, Calabar
Presidents Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria and Paul Biya of Cameroon have jointly inaugurated a multi-million dollars bridge in Cross River State.
The bridge, which cost over $USD 44 million, has two lanes and is located border at the Nigeria – Cameroon border at Mfum/Ekok.
Also inaugurated is a joint-border post at Mfum in Etung local government area in the central senatorial district of the state.
While Zubairu Dada, minister of state for foreign affairs, represented President Buhari, Emmanuel Nganou Njoumessi, minister of public works, represented President Paul Biya at the event.
According to Buhari, the project is a visible testament to the cooperation and neighbourliness between both countries.
He added that the project will enhance trade and strengthen the relationship between both countries.
“This project is part of the ongoing Nigeria/Cameroon multinational highway facilitation programme and is a visible testament to the continuing cooperation and good neighbourliness between our neighbouring countries.
“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,” the president stated.
On his part, the Cameroonian President said the project illustrates the confidence between both countries, adding that it would further the Green Tree Agreement that settled the Bakassi dispute.
“The construction of the bridge over the 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 so one can comfortably drive from Bamenda to Enugu or from Yaounde to Abuja to cover 1100 km or do his business on either side.
“Cameroon, on its part, will undertake any initiative that will maintain serenity in its border relationship with Nigeria.
Speaking, Babatunde Fashola, the minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, said they have delivered and acknowledged all the people who took part in making the project possible.
“This Bridge is part of Route 8, it’s 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.
The border bridge is one of the projects under the Nigeria Cameroon Mix-Commission and is aimed at repairing the strained relationship between both countries following the Bakassi dispute.
It commenced in April 2017 and was completed in May 2021.