Zulum Calls for Strengthened Cross-Border Trade Between Nigeria and Cameroon
…Emphasizes Unity for Economic Growth
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has called for the strengthening of cross-border trade between Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon, highlighting its role in fostering greater unity and cohesion between the two nations.
Governor Zulum made the call during a bilateral meeting in the border town of Banki. The meeting, which was attended by members of the National Assembly from Borno State and officials from the Far North region of Cameroon, led by Governor Midjiyawa Bakari.
The meeting took place shortly after the inauguration of the Banki International Cattle Market, a memorial secondary school, and a government lodge.
In an address, Governor Zulum emphasized the significance of facilitating easier trade, especially in the cattle industry, between the citizens of both countries.
He assured the Cameroonian officials of his commitment to providing the political will necessary to drive the process forward. “I want to assure you, Your Excellency, that under my leadership, I will provide the political will and commitment to drive the process,” Zulum stated.
Governor Zulum also praised the efforts of the Nigerian government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing strong support for promoting trans-border trade. “The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is more committed than ever to promoting trans-border trade,” he added, stressing the need to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks to ensure the smooth flow of goods across both nations.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral trade, Governor Zulum announced that Banki would soon become one of Nigeria’s free trade zones, with the process already in advanced stages. He assured that the state government would fulfill its responsibilities in this initiative.
He also used the opportunity to appreciate the Cameroonian government under President Paul Biya for its role in managing Nigerian refugees within its territory, calling for the establishment of civil authority to facilitate the safe return of over 20,000 Tarmu’a inhabitants to their community.
In a remarks, Governor of the Far North region of Cameroon, Midjiyawa Bakari acknowledged the significant improvements in the region’s security situation.
He emphasized the importance of peace-building and sustainable development for the stability of the region, noting that both countries should work together for mutual benefit. Bakari also highlighted the potential benefits of the Banki International Cattle Market to Cameroon’s economy. “We will ensure that similar projects are replicated in our region,” he stated.
Bakari expressed his support for strengthening regional cooperation in the wake of economic disruptions caused by the Boko Haram insurgency.
He proposed convening another bilateral meeting to discuss strategies for enhancing economic ties between the two nations. “We need to work hand in hand to rebuild our economy. Let me suggest that we convene an economic meeting in Maiduguri or Marwa in the coming weeks to discuss step by step how to address the problems affecting the region,” he said.
In their separate remarks, President of the Borno State Chamber of Commerce, Alhaji Ahmed Ashemi and Senior Vice President of the Regional Council of Far North, Professor Jalou stressed the importance of better collaboration between Nigeria and Cameroon to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
