Zulum advocates for a strengthened cross-border trade with Cameroon
By Tada Juthan, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has advocated for a strengthened cross-border trade with Cameroon in the Lake Chad region.
According to him, strengthening of border trades will
foster peace and unity for economic growth and development.
Zulum made the call on Tuesday, in Banki, during a bilateral meeting with members of the National Assembly and Governor Midjiyawa Bakari of the far north region of Cameroon.
He said that the inaugurations of the Banki
International Cattle Market (BICM), Secondary School, and a Lodge are to
facilitate peaceful coexistence in the border communities.
The governor emphasised the significance of ease in border trade in livestock from the two countries.
Zulum, therefore, assured of his commitment to
providing a political will to drive the border trade and economic relations.
He also commended the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu for the strong support in promoting trans-border trade with the neighbouring countries of Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.
Zulum urged Tinubu to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks that will ensure the smooth flow of goods and services across the borders.
The border town of Banki will soon become one of Nigeria’s free trade zones (FTZ),” stating that the state government would fulfil its responsibilities on FTZ in the Lake Chad region.”
While appreciating the Cameroonian government, under President Paul Biya, he said: “I called on the President to establish civil authority to facilitate the safe return of over 20,000 Tarmu’a refugees to their respective communities in Nigeria. Midjiyawa acknowledged the importance of peacebuilding, stability, and sustainable development in border communities.
He noted that the two countries should work together. for mutual benefits socio-economic benefits.
Midjiyawa added that the Banki cattle market will also strengthen regional economic cooperation, despite the over a decade of Boko Haram insurgency that claimed many lives and property in the Lake Chad region.
President of the Borno State Chamber of Commerce, Ahmed Ashemi, and Senior Vice President of the Regional Council of the far North, Prof. Jalou reiterated the importance of collaboration between the two countries for the African Continental Free Trade Areas (AfCFTAs).
He, therefore, suggested to convene another bilateral meeting and strategising on enhancing economic ties between. Cameroon and Nigeria.
“We need to work hand in hand in rebuilding
our economies, devastated by the 15-year insurgency.”
The next economic bilateral meeting has been suggested. by Bakari to hold either in Maiduguri or Marwa before the end of 2025. “We’re to discuss how to address the problems affecting Lake Chad. region,” he said. End.
