NIGERIA/CAMEROON TO LEVERAGE TRADE MODERNIZATION FOR SEAMLESS CROSS-BORDER TRADE  

Nigeria and Cameroon are taking steps to modernise operations at the Ekok-Mfum border to reduce trade bottlenecks, lower the cost of doing business and facilitate the seamless movement of goods and people between both countries.

The initiative, themed “Leveraging NCS Trade Modernization to Advance Seamless Cross-Border Trade,” involves customs authorities, security agencies, development partners and border communities from both countries.  

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adeniyi, said the initiative would build on existing cooperation between Nigeria and Cameroon while introducing technology-driven border management and coordinated customs procedures.

According to him, despite the geographical proximity of the two countries, cross-border movement remains slow and costly for traders. He noted that Nigeria and Cameroon had studied best practices from the Beitbridge Border Post between South Africa and Zimbabwe as part of efforts to improve joint border operations.

A joint operational agreement is also being finalised to establish common procedures, facilitate data exchange and strengthen coordinated controls at the Mfum-Ekok border.  

The Director-General of Cameroon Customs, Fongod Nuvaga, called for real-time information sharing and joint risk management to eliminate unnecessary duplication of cargo inspections.

The Mfum-Ekok Border Modernisation Initiative is expected to digitise border processes, improve infrastructure and align operations with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Officials said the success of the initiative would be measured by faster cargo clearance, reduced trade costs, increased trade volumes and improved border security.  

The development is expected to strengthen economic integration between Nigeria and Cameroon and potentially position the Mfum-Ekok corridor as a model for efficient cross-border trade within Africa.