Adedokun Waliyu 
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Mfum, Cross River State, commissioned the Nigeria/Cameroon Joint Border Post and Bridge. He called for more neighbourliness and mutual understanding between African states in order to enhance trade, security and promote development of the continent.
The president, represented by the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada, 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.”
He commended the leaderships of the Economic Community of West African States, the Economic Community of Central African States and the Government of the Republic of Cameroon for their collaboration to realise the project; and the African Development Bank, for providing funding for its execution and completion.
Buhari said the projects would 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 in order 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.
He said 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 in spite of our seemingly artificial boundaries.
“The completion and commissioning of this project could not have come at a more auspicious time than when Nigeria has 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).
“Under the AfCFTA, this project has the potential to enhance the volume of economic activities in our regions, as well as facilitate the free movement of persons, goods and services within the countries, along the corridor. It would also serve as a vital link between the West and the Central African regions.” He said the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria also expected that the Joint Border Post and Bridge would enhance security patrol and facilitate effective cooperation “in this part of our border with the Republic of Cameroon.”
He expressed confidence that the project would accomplish the set targets and complement the current efforts of the Governments of Nigeria and Cameroon to combat the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism in our region.
