President Muhammadu Buhari and his Cameroonian counterpart, Paul Biya, on Thursday inaugurated a multi-million dollars bridge in Etung local government area, linking Nigeria to Cameroon.
The bridge which is worth over 44million dollars, has two lanes and is located at the Nigeria-Cameroon border at Mfum community in Etung local government area of Cross River and Ekok community on the side of Cameroon.
Also inaugurated is a joint border post at Mfum community in Etung local government area in Cross River.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, represented President Muhammadu Buhari, while President Paul Biya of Cameroon was represented by the Minister of Public Works, Mr. Emmanuel Njoumessi.
Delivering his speech, President Muhammad Buhari said called for more neighborliness and mutual understanding between African States to enhance trade, increase security and promote the development of the continent.
“This project is part of the ongoing Nigeria/Cameroon multinational highway facilitation programme.
“This bridge and post are proves 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,” President Buhari said
Speaking earlier, the Cameroonian President, Paul Biya 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 facilitate trade and strengthen relations between Cameroon and Nigeria.
“Today, the Bamenda-Enugu corridor is fully tarred and one can comfortable drive from Bamenda to Enugu or from Yaounde to Abuja to cover 1100 km or do his business on either side,” he said.
He added that Cameroon on its part would undertake any initiative towards maintaining its serenity border relationship with Nigeria.
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On his part, Mr Babatunde Fashola, Minister for Works and Housing said, “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.”