North West: Customs sector, businesspersons unite to combat illicit trade.

This was during a meeting the head of the North West Customs Sector, Epie Jerome, had with businessmen, under the canopy of a syndicate, known as the Federation of Trade, Transport and Anti-Corruption, FTTAC.

The delegation was led by the President of FTTAC, Mbuku Elvis Penn; Vice President, Toh Leonard; and the Secretary General, Fosso Jano Siclaire.

According to the businessmen, their interest was to plead with the Chief of Sector to assist them contribute to the financing of the State Budget, through the payment of customs duties.

The delegation revealed to the North West Customs boss that before now, they had been to his counterpart of the South West Region Customs Sector, Mongue Nyamsi Daniel, to present their concerns.

Apart from expressing their determination to do business in line with the laws of the land, the syndicate members called on the Chief of Sector to dismantle illegal operations that exist along the Ekok - Bamenda axis. This, they said, is needed to make the business environment level for those who pay excise duties.

In response, the North West Customs Sector head assured the syndicate of his unalloyed commitment to support their respective business activities.

According to Epie, their contribution in terms of revenue to the North West Customs Sector in particular and the Customs Department in general is not insignificant. 

“It’s your small duties that you pay regularly to us that endeavour our sector to meet the monthly targets assigned to us by the head office...,” Epie noted.

“It is because of you that the North West Customs Sector has made headline news these past few years," Epie reminded them, insisting that both institutions would have to continue working together.

During the meeting, the syndicate delegation and the North West Customs Sector renewed their commitments to ensure a growth in revenue generated for the State and promote the growth of businesses.