Growing Transborder Trade:

Gov’t Should Create ‘Dry Port’ in B’da

 -Gov’t Delegate appeals

By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda

Family picture of some of the officials after the event Growing Transborder Trade

In prelude to the International Customs Day celebrated every January 26 worldwide, the Director General of Customs, Edwin Fongod Nuvaga took the events to launch activities to mark the day in Cameroon to Bamenda.

                The colorful ceremony at the Esplanade of the Mezam SDO’s Office on Monday 14 January 2018 was chaired by North West Governor, Adolf Lele Lafrique. This year’s commemoration will be guided by the theme: “A secure business environment for economic development.”

                In his launching speech, Edwin Fongod Nuvaga called on the population of the North West region to collaborate with forces of Law and order and customs officials in the fight against illicit trade in the region.

                The DG regretted that the long and porous border between Nigeria and Cameroon and the pockets of insecurity in the region have triggered illicit trade which he said is negatively affecting the customs department.

                But the news behind the news of the event was the plea to government from the Bamenda government Delegate. In his welcome address Vincent Nji Ndumu commended the DG for choosing Bamenda to host the launching observing that the North West region’s land boundary with Nigeria makes the region a hub for custom activities.

                He however regretted that the porous borders have resulted to illicit trade which has stifled custom activities in the region. Consequently, he suggested that the Directorate of Customs should sign a memorandum of understanding with local councils so that they can contribute in the fight against illicit trade.

                In order to increase the volume of revenue collection by the custom department, Vincent Nji Ndumu suggested that government should create a dry port in Bamenda and also tar major roads.

                On his part, North West Governor, Adolf Lele Lafrique while putting the theme of the celebrations into perspective lamented that the prolonged crisis that have rocked the North West and South West regions punctuated by numerous Ghost Towns have crippled economic activities in the region and consequently reduced custom revenue.

                He challenged the population of the North West region to avoid fraud and invest in clean businesses especially as the government is trying to make the business environment conducive.

                Governor, Adolf Lele Lafrique noted with satisfaction that despite the crisis in the region, “North Westerners still remain law abiding” and hospital.