A newly constructed border bridge linking Nigeria and Cameroon has been inaugurated by both countries.
A joint border post was also inaugurated for seamless trade and migration between the two countries.
This is contained in a statement issued by Mrs Anastasia Ogbonna, Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Transportation,
The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, while President Paul Biya of Cameroon was represented by the Minister of Public Works, Mr Emmanuel Njoumessi.
According to Buhari, the 1.5 km Ekok/Mfum Bridge and Joint Border Post (JBP) at Mfun, Cross River
would deepen socio-economic and diplomatic relations between both countries.
He added that the project would provide veritable synergy and combat the teeming security challenges bedeviling countries along the region.
It will also serve as a vital link between the Western and Southern African regions.The Federal Republic of Nigeria also expects that this Joint Border Post and bridge will enhance security patrol and facilitate effective cooperation in this part of our border with the Republic of Cameroon.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, he said.
The president lauded the development partners, African Development Bank ( AfDB) and World Bank for providing the funds for realisation of the project.
Also, he commended the support by the partners to the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) and Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) to help Nigeria and Cameroon complete the project in record time.
The President of Cameroun, on his part, said the construction of the bridge over Cross River is part of the Transport Facilitation Program on the Bamenda – Manfe – Abakaliki – Enugu – corridors.
He added that the corridor covers 441 metres of road that will facilitate trade and strengthen relations between Cameroon and Nigeria.
He said the Joint Border Post would not only strengthen the existing cordial relations but it will also enhance the volume of economic activities in the region.
He repeated that it would also aid movement of persons, goods and services within countries along the corridors.
Babatunde Fashola, Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing, while speaking, expressed delight over the completion of the project.
He restated that the bridge would play a significant role in networking several cities across Africa.
What is most important is that this bridge connects Nigeria and Cameroon. It is the beginning of a trans-African connection.We are not just trying to connect Nigeria and Cameroon; we are trying to connect Lagos to Mombasa in Kenya and this is the significance of this bridge, he said.
Prince Ademola Adegoroye, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Transportation, hailed the roles of international development agencies and partners in the project.
According to Adegoroye, inter-governmental agencies of both countries, such as Customs, Immigration and others could work in synergy to promote mutual benefits and healthy co-existence between both nations.
He said: the main objective of this project is for better trade facilitation between both countries.This will be achieved by combining customs clearance and other activities in one place to achieve economics of scale, simplify customs procedures and increase cooperation and coordination of controls amongst others.It is my hope that as border officials work together in cooperation, the ties that bind our countries will further be strengthened to the benefit of all.Also, it is hoped that the comfort of the new facility will enable the officials work together in peace and harmony, resulting in the prosperity of the people of the region, he said.
The Governor of Cross River, Ben Ayade was represented by his Commissioner for Works, Dan Asu.
He commended the governments of both countries for the remarkable project that would boost commerce and industry along the frontier states.
The European Union was represented by Philippe Mayaux; the ECCAS, Mfola Marie; ECOWAS, Sediko Duok, and the Director of Operations of the AfDB, Dr Orison Amu, in their goodwill messages, commended the governments of Nigeria and Cameroon for making the project a reality.