LAGOS – Two exhibitors from Cameroon at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair on Monday urged the Federal Government to lift the ban on all consumer goods from Cameroon.
The exhibitors told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the ban was necessary because Nigeria had a large market capable of boosting the economy of its neighbours.
One of the exhibitors, Mr Genatus Aban, told NAN that Cameroon had the production capacity and that the Nigerian market was very viable for promoting any product.
He said that although officially Nigeria is Cameroon leading importer, with estimates put at 382 billion CFA francs annually, Nigeria should allow all consumables into the country.
Aban said that forging a good agreement by both countries would eradicate the issue of smuggling.
“We want to establish our routes in Nigeria by selling our products in the country through the right channels.
“This will foster the right relationships and curtail the smuggling of goods into Nigeria through the borders,” said Aban.
Another exhibitor, Mr Simia Azur, said that lifting the ban on all consumables would bring more investments into both countries.
NAN reports that some of the products exhibited by the Cameroonians at the ongoing fair include soap, cosmetics, coffee, fabrics, spices and artifacts.
Cameroon and Nigeria have a land border of about 1,500 kilometres, which, despite the ban on the movement of people and goods, is still rife with smuggling.
The trade fair, which started on Nov. 7, will end on Sunday, Nov. 16. (NAN)
