Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Paul Biya have inaugurated a multimillion-dollar bridge on Thursday in Etung local government area, linking Nigeria to Cameroon.

The bridge, worth over $44 million, 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, Zubairu Dada, represented Mr Buhari, while Mr Biya of Cameroon was represented by the Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Njoumessi.

Mr Buhari said the project was a testament to the cooperation and neighbourliness between both countries. He added that the project would enhance trade and strengthen the relationship between the countries.

“This project is part of the ongoing Nigeria-Cameroon multinational highway facilitation programme. This bridge and post are proof that when African countries work together with African institutions, outstanding projects can be achieved in record time,” stated the Nigerian president.

He added, “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 Cameroonian president 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,” Mr Biya explained. “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.”

(NAN)