Bridge linking Cameroon to Nigeria in Ekok inaugurated
The Mfum-Ekok border crossing between Cameroon and Nigeria, Cross River bridge was today inaugurated by Cameroon’s minister of public works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi and government officials from Nigeria and the African Development Bank.
The newly inaugurated structure is set to enhance trade between Cameroon and Nigeria, and also enhance transportation of goods and services between countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and countries of to the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).
The bridge is also set to contribute to free trade in the African Continental Free Trade area.
The president of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, says the 430 million dollar project will enhance trade opportunities between Cameroon and Nigeria.
Statistics sow that between 2015 and 2019, trading between both parties dropped by 81%, from FCFA 15.6 billion to FCFA 2.9 billion as a result of the crisis in the English speaking regions of Cameroon.
Furthermore, the infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce poverty which is at a rate of 40%.
The 408 kilometer road work was completed about 2 years ago in Eyumodjok, Manyu Division of the South West region of Cameroon.
