Cameroon to strengthen collaboration with Nigeria, Bibi Manga Bell says
CAMEROON Consul General in Lagos, Bibi Manga Bell, has said Cameroon is more committed than ever before to strengthening business collaboration with Nigeria.
She said both countries have a lot to offer each other in the areas of economic development and cultural exchange.
She said this at the Cameroon Consulate in Victoria Island, Lagos during the launch of Cameroon Business Network and the 54th Cameroon Youth Day.
The aim of the platform is to foster strong and sustainable business ties between Nigeria and Cameroon, while promoting the consumption and export of high- quality Cameroon products and to bridge the gap between Nigeria and Cameroon’s business communities, fostering collaboration and facilitating trade. The project is initiated by Tayim Atam under the supervision of the consulate of Cameroon in Lagos.
Speaking on the launch of the platform, Bell said: “This is a platform where Cameroonian men and women will be meeting Nigerian business men and women to exchange ideas and do business.
“We invited the LCCI to show how important it is for us to work with local authourities in Nigeria. We are not here to interact with international companies, but to address our concerns directly and form a better relationship with Lagos
State.
“We are to seek solution together; some of my compatriots are in Nigeria illegally. We have an agreement that a Nigerian can spend 90 days in Cameroon as well as a Cameroonian can spend 90 days in Nigeria without the need for visa and authorization, some of them are taking advantage of that and stay beyond the time stipulated.
“So, we need to tell them the truth that they need to go back to Cameroon after 90 days and may return after a couple of weeks, this is good for business so, the solution is not far- fetch, we must use the framework we have and to do business in Nigeria, the same thing also applies to Nigerians living in Cameroon. We must endeavor to live like a global citizen, living in a country and work in another.” He added: “We have a lot of raw products in Cameroon being shipped only to the western world whereas Nigeria is just across the border. It’s better for our brothers to bring their technology. We need the banking system; why carrying money in hand bags all the time when transaction can be done online and it’s happening here in Lagos. You can be in your kitchen while managing your business, paying your bills, the children’s school fees. We have the services in Nigeria so, Cameroonians can come and learn, there is the Lagos Business School and a lot of opportunities that can benefit Cameroonians.