Today (03/11/2022), at the Mfum-Ekok border crossing between Cameroon and Nigeria, the European Union, the Governments of Cameroon & Nigeria and the African Development Bank inaugurated the new Cross River bridge. Part of the EU-supported Bamenda-Enugu corridor between both countries, the opening of this critical piece of infrastructure also includes a new joint border post at Mfum (Nigeria).

The new bridge will boost connectivity between Nigeria and Cameroon and is expected to significantly increase integration, commercial exchanges, movement in goods and people between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). As a result, the bridge will contribute to the facilitation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, said: “Today marks an important milestone in improving transport and commercial links between Cameroon and Nigeria and broadly between West and Central Africa. This bridge is not just tangible infrastructure, it is a promise for greater economic integration and thereby, more trade opportunities and growth. This is at the centre of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, to build trusted and sustainable connections for the benefit of people.”

• Read our Press Release :

   

  PR_EU_03-10-2022.pdf

• Read the speech delivered by the EU representative at this ceremony : 

  EU Speech_Final version .pdf