In order to connect Nigeria with its neighbour, Paul Biya, the president of Cameroon, and President Muhammadu Buhari jointly opened the 1.5 kilometre Ekok/Mfum Bridge and Joint Border Post (JBP) at Mfun, Cross River State, on Thursday.
The two leaders stated during the ceremony that the ultra-modern link bridge project would deepen the socioeconomic and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Cameroon. They added that this would not only “strengthen the existing cordial ties between the two countries but would also enhance the volume of economic activities in the region, as well as movement of persons, goods, and services with countries along the corridors.”
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, spoke on behalf of Buhari, who claimed that the two-lane bridge, estimated to have cost over $44 million, would facilitate trade between the two nations.
Buhari stated that the move would “create a veritable synergy across inter-country regions to battle the teeming security concerns bedevilling the countries” in a statement released by the Deputy Director of Press, Ministry of Transportation, Ogbonna Anastasia on Friday.
“The bridge will act as an essential connection between Western and Southern Africa. In this area of our border with the Republic of Cameroon, the Federal Republic of Nigeria also anticipates that this Joint Border Post and Bridge would improve security patrol and make effective cooperation easier.
“This project is part of the ongoing Nigeria/Cameroon multinational highway facilitation programme, is a visible testament of the continuing cooperation and good neighbourliness between our neighbouring countries.
“It is also our hope that it will complement the efforts of the governments of Nigeria and Cameroon to combat the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism in our region”, the President said.
On his part, Biya, who also was represented by his Minister for Public Works, Emmanuel Nganuo Djours, said “the construction of the bridge over Cross River is part of the Transport Facilitation Program on the Bamenda – Manfe – Abakaliki – Enugu – corridors.
“The corridor covers 441 metres of road that will facilitate trade and strengthen relations between Cameroon and Nigeria,” he added.
