I am happy to be here today at this prestigious event to represent the High Commissioner of Nigeria, His Excellency A. G. Olonisakin, to participate in the second edition of the Nigeria-Cameroon Expo as well as this ceremony of unveiling of NICAMEX 2023. may I convey the High Commissioner's apologies for his inability to attend today's event due to a prior engagement. I would like to congratulate the NICAMEX coordinator for setting up this NICAMEX initiative to promote the many opportunities that exist within the borders of our two countries and to promote trade and commercial cooperation between our people

For the record, Nigeria and Cameroon share a land border of more than 1,600 km and maintain strong trade relations. Nigeria, an emerging market economy, has a population of over 200 million and is Cameroon's second largest trading partner after China. by adding the population of Cameroon to this market, giving both countries a huge trading base. Nigeria's exports to Cameroon have gradually increased to about 30% from $1.72 million in 1995 to $1.21 billion in 2020. The volume of trade and investment between Nigeria and Cameroon is obviously in favor of Nigeria as shown over the past 25 years.

Over the years, the peoples of both countries have developed strong trade ties and close cultural affinities. Most economic activities are largely informal and conducted in border areas, which poses challenges in tracing the amount of commercial activity. however, the development is encouraging with the emergence of Nigerian private sector operators engaging in high income economic activities in Cameroon, providing goods and services in terms of profit and rebate. These companies include DANGOTE Cement PLC, UBA PLC and ACCESS BANK PLC. In pursuit of economic diversification of the sub-regions and promotion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), the role of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) for effective management of seaports in Nigeria and the optimal use of the new commission of Lekki Deep Seaports in Lagos would stimulate and accelerate the growth of the blue economy in the country and its neighboring countries, in particular Cameroon. This would therefore have an impact on the global economy.

In conclusion, may I stress that concerted efforts must be put in place to ensure harmonious economic and trade activities between the peoples of Nigeria and Cameroon in developing the economic potentials in their border corridors. this will have the potential to link the Central African Monetary and Economic Community (CEMAC) through the Republic of Cameroon and give impetus to the realization of the African Continental Free Trade Area.