President Buhari has commissioned the newly constructed Nigeria-Cameroon border bridge, including a joint border post for seamless trade and migration between the two countries. President Buhari and the President of Cameroon, Paul Biya, performed the joint inauguration of the 1.5km Ekok/Mfum Bridge and Joint Border Post (JBP) at Mfun, Cross River State on Thursday.

The pair conducted the ceremony and declared that the bridge project would strengthen Nigeria and Cameroon’s diplomatic and socioeconomic ties. While the joint border post would increase the volume of economic activity in the area. As well as the flow of people, goods, and services with neighboring nations.

Buhari, who was represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zuberu Dada, said in a statement released by the Deputy Director of Press at the Ministry of Transportation on Friday that the development would provide a true synergy between inter-country regions to combat the teeming security challenges plaguing the countries.

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Nigeria-Cameroon border bridge to increase security patrol

According to him, it will also serve as a vital link between the Western and Southern African regions.  Additionally, the Federal Republic of Nigeria also anticipates that this Joint Border Post and Bridge would improve security patrol.

Buhari, however, applauded the development partner, African Development Bank, AfDB. As well as the World Bank for providing the funding and support given to the Economic Community of West Africa and Economic Community of Central African States, ECCAS, to help Nigeria and Cameroon complete the projects in record time.

Furthermore, President Biya of Cameroon stated, “The Bamenda-Manfe-Abakaliki-Enugu corridor’s transport facilitation program includes the construction of the Cross-River bridge. The corridor, which spans 441 meters of road, would promote trade and improve ties between Nigeria and Cameroon.”

Meanwhile, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), the minister of works and housing of Nigeria, expressed happiness over the project’s completion. He claimed the bridge will be crucial in connecting various African towns.

He said, “The fact that this bridge connects Nigeria and Cameroon is of utmost importance. It marks the start of a trans-African relationship. However, the importance of the Nigeria-Cameroon border bridge lies in our attempt to link Lagos to Mombasa in Kenya.