Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari, in Mfum, Cross River State, called for more neighbourliness and mutual understanding between African states in order to enhance trade, security through infrastructure development in the continent.
Buhari, represented by the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, at the commissioning ceremony of the Nigeria/Cameroon Joint Border Post and Bridge, said the 1.5km project would enhance the interconnectivity of “our people and communities, improve living standards, reduce barriers to inter-regional trade and strengthen border security.’’
“It is with a great sense of satisfaction that we are witnessing the official Joint Commissioning of the Mfum/Ekok 1.5km Bridge and Joint Border Post (JBP). Let me begin with commending the Leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), and the Government of the Republic of Cameroon that worked closely to realize this project, as well as the African Development Bank (ADB) that provided funding for the execution and completion of this 1.5km Joint Border Project,’’ he said.
President Buhari noted that the projects will deepen the inextricably linked cultural and traditional fraternal bonds that already exist between Nigerians and Cameroonians living around the border communities.
“Let me also underscore that to maximize the benefits of these projects, the Nigerian and Cameroonian officials that would be saddled with the responsibility of manning the Joint Border Post, in particular, must act in the most professional manner, as well as in line with the global best practices, effective from today,’’ he added.
President Buhari affirmed that the completion of the project had made both Nigerians and Cameroonians living around the area jubilant. “Such excitement symbolizes the resolve of our People and Governments to remain connected despite our seemingly artificial boundaries.
“The completion and commissioning of this project could not have come at a more auspicious time than when Nigeria signed and ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement. Therefore, we expect that the commissioning of this Joint Border Bridge and Post will not only strengthen the existing cordial relations between Nigeria and Cameroon but also enhance cooperation between the ECOWAS and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).
