Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has called for enhanced trade relations between Nigeria and the Republic of Cameroon, to foster unity and economic growth.

Zulum made the call on Tuesday at a bilateral meeting between officials of the two countries in the border town of Banki.

The meeting was attended by members of the State and National Assembly from Borno State, and officials of the Cameroonian Far North region, led by Gov. Midjiyawa Bakari.

This followed the inauguration of the Banki International Cattle Market, a Memorial Secondary School, and a government lodge in the area.

Zulum highlighted the importance of facilitating trade between citizens of both nations, especially in livestock and agricultural commodities.

He assured his Cameroonian counterpart of his commitment to provide the political will needed to strengthen the economic ties.

“I want to assure you, Your Excellency, that under my leadership, I will provide the political will and commitment to drive the process,” he said.

Zulum lauded President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to promote trans-border trade, noting that steps would be taken to reduce bureaucratic barriers and ensure smooth trade flow.

According to him, Banki is set to become one of Nigeria’s free trade zones, with plans in advanced stage, adding that the Borno government would fulfill its obligations to support the initiative.

He also commended President Paul Biya for his country’s role in managing Nigerian refugees, and called for the establishment of a civil authority to facilitate the safe return of over 20,000 displaced persons to their communities.

Responding, Bakari commended the improved security situation in the area.

He underscored the importance of peace building and sustainable development, adding that Banki International Cattle Market could also boost Cameroonian economy.

“We will ensure that similar projects are replicated in our region,” Bakari said.

He proposed holding another bilateral meeting in Maiduguri or Marwa in Cameroon, to discuss strategies for strengthening regional cooperation to rebuild the economy disrupted by the Boko Haram insurgency.

The President of Borno State Chamber of Commerce, Alhaji Ahmed Ashemi, and the Senior Vice President of the Regional Council of the Far North, Prof. Jalou, emphasised the need for collaboration between the two nations.

They said that such relationships would maximise the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was part of ongoing efforts to enhance cross-border trade and promote regional development.

Mr Luka Nizassan, Etsu of Kwali, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s rural road projects are beaming a light of hope on rural communities.

Nizassan stated this while reacting to the newly inaugurated 11-kilometre Yangoji – Sukuku – Ebbo Road in the area council executed by the Wike-led FCT Administration.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday, that the communities contribute 30 per cent of food production to the Kwali Area Council.

He described the road project as the most impactful project undertaken by the Wike-led FCT Administration to transform rural communities.

According to him, the construction of the road has renewed the hope and trust of his people in President Bola Tinubu-led federal government and the commitment to deliver good governance to the people.

“No one would have thought that these communities would receive such massive infrastructural intervention until Wike beamed the light of hope on us.

“This road will increase agricultural production by enhancing the movement of farm machines and reducing the cost of transporting agricultural inputs.

“The communities are now accessible for businesses and the evacuation of agricultural products to larger markets, thereby, increasing the economic value of agricultural products.

“This will have a direct bearing on food security and poverty reduction.”

The traditional ruler added that one of the immediate benefits of the road was the significant improvement of security in the area.

He explained that the communities were hitherto prone to kidnappings and other security challenges.

“The road has now provided security agencies the needed access to patrol and respond to distress calls promptly, thus, de-escalating the activities of criminal elements in the area,” he said.

NAN reports that the FCT Minister had on Monday begun the inauguration of completed road projects in rural communities across the six area councils of the territory, beginning with a five-kilometre road in Abaji Area Council.

Wike, said while inaugurating the 11-kilometre Yangoji–Sukuku–Ebo Road on Tuesday, that the gesture was part of Tinubu’s commitment to develop rural communities.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has handed over illicit drugs worth N117.59 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Comptroller of the command, Mr James Ojo, disclosed this during the handing over of the drugs to Mr Olusegun Adeyeye, the Commander of NDLEA, Idiroko Special Area Command, in Abeokuta, Ogun, on Friday.

Ojo said the customs handed over the seized cannabis and tramadol tablets to the Idiroko Special Command for further investigation in line with the standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration.

He said the illicit drugs were seized  in various strategic locations between January and November 21, 2024, in Ogun State.

He added that the illicit drugs were abandoned at various locations, including the Abeokuta axis, the Agbawo/Igankoto area of Yewa North Local Government Area, and Imeko Afton axis.

Ojo said that the seizure of the cannabis sativa and tramaling tablets, another brand of tramadol, was made possible through credible intelligence and strategic operations of the customs personnel.

“The successful interception of these dangerous substances would not have been possible without the robust collaboration and support from our intelligence units, local informants and sister agencies.

“These landmark operations are testament to the unwavering dedication of the NCS to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

He said the seizures comprised 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels, weighing 7,217.7 kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each, with a total Duty Paid Value of N117,587,405,00.

He described the height of illicit drugs smuggling in the recent time as worrisome.

This, he said, underscores the severity of drug trafficking within the borders.

“Between Oct. 13 and Nov. 12 alone, operatives intercepted a total of 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,337kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each,” he said.

Ojo said the seizures had  disrupted the supply chain of illicit drugs, thereby mitigating the risks those substances posed to the youth, families and communities.

He lauded the synergy between its command, security agencies and other stakeholders that led to the remarkable achievements.

Ojo also commended the Comptroller General of NCS for creating an enabling environment for the command to achieve the success.

Responding, Adeyeye, applauded the customs for achieving the feat.

Adeyeye pledged to continue to collaborate with the customs to fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking in the state.