Nigeria and Cameroon have launched the Mfum-Ekok Border Modernisation Initiative, a joint project aimed at upgrading border infrastructure, deploying technology and reducing trade bottlenecks along a key regional corridor.

The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday during a joint assessment exercise involving the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Cameroon Customs Administration.

The project is expected to improve trade facilitation and border efficiency while supporting the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Mfum-Ekok corridor links Cross River State in Nigeria with Cameroon’s South-West Region and serves as an important route for the movement of goods and people between both countries.

Nigeria, Cameroon assess one-stop border post

As part of the initiative, customs officials from both countries commenced a joint assessment of the Ekok-Mfum One-Stop Border Post (OSBP).

The exercise was held in Mfum, near Ikom Local Government Area of Cross River State, under the theme, “Leveraging the Nigeria Customs Service Trade Modernisation Project.”

Speaking at the event, Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, said the initiative builds on existing cooperation between the customs administrations of Nigeria and Cameroon.

“We are not building from nothing. We are taking something that works between the two of us,” Adeniyi said.

He said the assessment would examine how existing bilateral cooperation could be expanded to deliver greater economic benefits for the region and Africa.

Adeniyi noted that despite the strong historical and cultural ties between communities on both sides of the border, the movement of goods and people remained less efficient than expected.

AfDB, ECOWAS, Afreximbank support project

The Customs chief identified the African Development Bank (AfDB), ECOWAS, Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Afreximbank and AfCFTA Secretariat among development partners supporting the initiative.

He also disclosed that Nigerian and Cameroonian customs officials recently undertook a study tour of the Beitbridge Border Post between South Africa and Zimbabwe to examine international best practices in border management.

According to Adeniyi, technical teams from both countries are currently working on a joint operational agreement expected to be signed at the forthcoming C-PACT conference.

Cameroon seeks real-time data sharing

Cameroon’s Director-General of Customs, Fongod Nuvaga, described the joint assessment as a major step towards coordinated border operations.

Nuvaga said the initiative would improve efficiency through enhanced cooperation, real-time data exchange and joint risk-management systems.

He said improved information sharing could reduce duplication in cargo inspections and traveller screening, helping to accelerate trade flows and improve the experience of businesses and commuters.

The Cameroonian customs chief stressed that coordinated border management would allow goods and travellers to undergo more efficient processing instead of facing repetitive checks on both sides.

World Bank highlights Africa’s trade barriers

The initiative comes amid wider efforts to tackle structural barriers affecting trade across Africa.

A recent World Bank report, “Integrating Africa: From Threads to Hubs,” found that nearly 60 per cent of Africa’s total trade costs originate from behind-the-border barriers rather than tariffs or border controls.

The report identified customs inefficiencies, regulatory misalignment, poor logistics services, fragmented transit systems and inadequate infrastructure among the factors driving high trade costs.

The World Bank said reducing tariffs alone would not significantly lower trade costs unless countries also addressed domestic constraints affecting the movement of goods and services.

The Nigeria-Cameroon border initiative therefore forms part of broader efforts to strengthen regional trade, logistics and economic integration across Africa.

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The Federal Government has issued a warning of potential flooding in several locations across 10 states, following predictions of heavy rainfall between April 8 and April 12, 2026.

The alert, issued by the National Flood Early Warning Centre of the Ministry of Environment, identified Ebonyi, Anambra, Ogun, Taraba, Cross River, Benue, Imo, Delta, Rivers, and Abia states as likely to experience significant rainfall that may trigger flooding. Communities listed include Onitsha, Atani, Afikpo, Ayetoro, Ikom, Owerri, Port Harcourt, and Umuahia.

The ministry advised residents and local authorities to take precautionary measures to reduce risks to lives and property. Usman Bokani, Director of Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management, emphasized the importance of early preparedness to mitigate flood impacts.

The ministry’s forecast aligns with earlier warnings from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, which cautioned farmers against early planting after unpredictable rains in February and March 2026. Lagos State had also issued alerts for heavy rainfall and flash flooding as the rainy season approached.

Residents are urged to remain vigilant and follow official updates to ensure safety.

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Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has inaugurated the State Building Planning and Development Control Taskforce, a strategic initiative aimed at promoting orderly urban development, enforcing building regulations, and ensuring safety standards across the state.

Represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, Governor Otu urged members of the taskforce to execute their duties with professionalism, fairness, and integrity, emphasizing that the team’s work is critical in preventing unapproved constructions and promoting sustainable urban planning.

“This task force is essential for curbing unauthorized buildings, enforcing planning laws, and protecting lives and property,” Governor Otu said. He also called for collaboration with relevant ministries, agencies, and local governments to ensure effective enforcement and sustained public awareness.

Dr. Bong Duke, CEO and Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission, explained that the team was carefully selected to monitor and guide building development in both urban and rural areas, addressing the prevalence of indiscriminate construction, poor planning, and non-adherence to approved building designs.

Chairman of the taskforce, Akiba Ekpenyong, assured the government that the team is ready to diligently fulfill its mandate, supporting the administration’s vision for a safe, well-planned, and sustainable Cross River State.

The initiative aligns with Governor Otu’s broader commitment to urban renewal and enhancing safety standards in construction across the state. Residents and developers are urged to strictly adhere to approved building plans and planning regulations.

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Etomi community in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State has protested the planned sale of its cocoa estate. The peaceful protest happened on Wednesday.

Hundreds of farmers joined the march. They held placards with bold messages. Some signs read, “Our cocoa estate is not for sale” and “No to privatisation.”

Community leader Mbek Agbor-Tangban spoke during the event. He said their ancestors donated the land many years ago. The donation came with a clear agreement.

Mr. Agbor-Tangban said the community became concerned after a newspaper advert appeared. The notice was published on June 25, 2025. It invited bidders to take over the estate.

Women’s leader Ntunkai Mary-Ndum also shared her concerns. She said the land supports their families. If the government no longer wants to manage the estate, it should return the land to the people.

Youth leader Abang Shikina-Oji spoke about the history. He said the land was given to the government in 1957. The goal was to support local farmers.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Johnson Ebokpo, and the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, addressed the crowd. They promised that the government will review the issue carefully.

They said Governor Bassey Otu cares about the people. They also urged the community to stay calm during the review process.

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The resolution was adopted at the Executive Council meeting held on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The council formally ratified the terms of settlement in Suit No. HC/162/2025—Enghaut Industries Limited vs. the Attorney General of Cross River State and another—paving the way for the government to re-acquire rubber plantation assets spanning approximately 22,000 hectares across Akamkpa, Biase, and Yakurr Local Government Areas.

These estates were originally part of the now-defunct Cross River Estates Limited (CREL), but their Certificate of Occupancy was revoked by the state government on June 14, 2024. The decision was based on Enghaut Industries’ failure to effectively manage the estates, which reportedly led to environmental degradation and a steep decline in production capacity, ultimately eroding the region’s status as a rubber production hub.

Governor Bassey Otu, who chaired the meeting, expressed satisfaction with the amicable resolution and said it would reopen opportunities for fresh investment and economic growth. “With this settlement, we can now explore partnerships with serious investors to unlock the full potential of the rubber estates, create jobs, and develop a thriving value chain that will benefit the people of Cross River State,” he said.

The meeting marked Governor Otu’s first official Executive Council session following a three-week vacation. He praised his deputy, Peter Odey, for effectively managing state affairs in his absence and extended appreciation to members of the Council for their collective support and stability during the period.

In addition to the settlement approval, Governor Otu announced the immediate rehabilitation of three critical roads under the state’s infrastructure renewal programme. The selected roads include the Boki East–West Road, the Okpoma–Mfum Junction Road, and the John Okpa Road in Obubra. He described the late John Okpa, a former deputy governor, as a “pillar of democracy” and said the road rehabilitation project will serve as a tribute to his enduring legacy.

Governor Otu also unveiled plans to strengthen Ikom’s position as a commercial hub, particularly in cross-border trade. He disclosed that the state government will establish an international market and a modern motor park in Ikom to support its growing population and economic activities. “The cross-border trade between Nigeria and Cameroon, along with Ikom’s role as a hub for agricultural produce, auto parts, and residential growth, makes it a critical point of focus. We are determined to provide the necessary support to match its potential,” the governor stated.

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The landlord, in his 30s, Our Source gathered, was accused of terrorizing his tenants and stealing their belongings, including food items and household valuables.

According to residents, Obong Ete’s actions had become a recurring problem, with many attempts to reform him failing.

“He has been doing this for a long time, and it’s good that he’s finally been publicly disgraced.

“Many times, youth leaders and vigilante groups have traced stolen items to his apartment, and beaten him up,” said John Akpan, a resident.

The tenants and neighbours, who were preparing for Sunday worship, confronted Obong Ete and subjected him to a severe beating, using horse whips, canes, and planks.

After the beating, the youth leaders forced him to swear an oath that he would not continue to steal or terrorise them.

Obong Ete, who was left battered and bruised, apologised for his actions and promised to change his ways.

He also agreed that if he ever stole again, his neighbours were free to mete out any measures deemed fit.

The youth leaders also suspected a young man who cohabited with Obong Ete of being an accomplice and forced him out of the landlord’s apartment, warning him never to return to the community.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Irene Ugbo, condemned the brutalisation of Obong Ete, advising that such cases should always be handed over to the police.

Source: tribuneonlineng

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The State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Eka Williams, disclosed this during a site visit on Saturday to assess the project’s progress in the community.

Williams revealed that the project, a 196 kilowatt-hour (kWh) Jinko power house mini-grid solar farm with a capacity of 119 kilowatts (kW), is now fully operational.

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“I am pleased to announce that the solar farm is now fully operational and ready to power the Etomi community,” said Williams.

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He further emphasized that all stages of the project have been successfully completed, noting that the initiative not only enhances energy accessibility in the region but also aligns with the state’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development.

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