Cross River border communities lament trade slowdown with Cameroon due to rising fuel costs

Residents in Ekok, Ikom Local Government Area, report that the cost of transporting goods to the border has doubled in the past two years, making Nigerian products unaffordable for Cameroonian buyers. Asuquo Bassey, a trader, noted that the cost to transport a bag of rice to the border has increased from N2,500 to N6,000-N7,000, leading to reduced purchases. Queensley Ajong, who sells vegetables and smoked fish, stated that high transportation costs have diminished profit margins and forced traders to carry smaller quantities due to low patronage.

Ajot Odama confirmed the decline in business, observing a drastic decrease in Cameroonian customers on market days. Odama also mentioned that some traders are now using illegal routes, increasing their risk of arrest and financial losses.