By Clara Dabo
In a significant move to deepen diplomatic and economic relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon, the Federal Government has commenced construction of a major trans-border road project from Gembu, the headquarters of Sardauna Local Government Area in Taraba State, to Lip Village, a border community shared by both countries.
Valued at over ₦70 billion, the project is designed as a rigid pavement road using concrete and is expected to be completed within 30 months. The construction is progressing steadily, with over 16 percent of the work completed in less than six months outpacing the time lapse of approximately 15 percent.
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, led a delegation of state officials on an inspection visit to assess the progress. Speaking during the visit, Governor Kefas expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, stating his confidence that the project would be completed to high standards.
The Supervising Engineer from the Federal Ministry of Works, Mr. Otis Danjuma, confirmed that the project was awarded for a duration of 30 months and has so far been on track.
Also speaking, a member of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Mr. Abel Peter, described the road as a strategic link that has opened the region to international opportunities and strengthened bilateral ties with Cameroon.
The Secretary to the Taraba State Government, Mr. Gibon Kataps, emphasized the significance of federal funding and its role in accelerating the project’s implementation.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Taraba State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Abubakar Bawa, highlighted the project’s potential to expand business access and enhance economic activity across the border.
Before the commencement of the road construction, the route was in a severely dilapidated state, with damaged roads and river crossings posing serious risks to commuters. Many residents, particularly students, were forced to cross into Cameroon to access basic services and education due to the absence of functional infrastructure on the Nigerian side.
With construction now underway, local stakeholders are hailing the project as transformative. Community leaders and residents say the road is already generating hope and economic activity, fostering inclusion, and giving the border region a renewed sense of relevance.
“This road has not only opened our area for international business and strengthened Nigeria-Cameroon relations but has also given our people a new sense of belonging,” one community leader stated.
The road is expected to serve as a critical connection between the Mambilla Plateau, Sardauna LGA, and Cameroon, ultimately becoming a key artery for cross-border trade and mobility. Once completed, it will ease the transportation of goods and services, and improve access to both domestic and international markets.
In response to the growing business interest and population movement, Governor Kefas urged the construction company to consider establishing schools in the area as part of its corporate social responsibility.
This, he noted, would help discourage the migration of Nigerian children to schools in Cameroon and promote education within local communities.
With strong federal backing and presidential funding, the Gembu–Lip road project stands as one of the fastest-moving infrastructure initiatives in the country, promising long-term socioeconomic benefits for the people of Taraba State and strengthening ties between Nigeria and Cameroon.
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