As part of efforts to ease movement of persons and goods between the two West African countries, the modern dual carriage bridge connecting Nigeria to Cameroon would be completed before the end of this year.
The construction of the bridge, which is being financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) is geared towards facilitating trade and socio-economic relations between both countries.
The bridge contract, which commenced two years ago, is expected to go over the Cross River at the Nigeria/Cameroon border at Ekok/Mfum, with an approaching road for easy vehicular movement. The length of the bridge across the river is expected to be about 276 meters with an approach single lane road with approximately 1.5 kilometers length on either side of the bridge.
Going by the time the contract was awarded, the bridge ought to be completed by now, however, the execution of the contract was affected by forces beyond the control of the contractor.
Stakeholders in the maritime industry have welcomed the development, saying that the completion of the project would have positive impact on the socio-economical development of the citizenry of both companies.
Chairman of Shippers Association of Cross Rivers State, Micheal Ogodo said the completion of the bridge would open the state and indeed the surrounding states for more business, especially with the neighbouring countries. He explained that the completed road would bring the land lock businesses of the surrounding countries to Calabar port.
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