Douala Port: GeCAM announces gradual return of operations as SGS resumes scanning.

In a press release issued in Douala on February 18, 2026, GeCAM confirmed that scanning of containers by Société Générale de Surveillance, Scanning Cameroon S. A, SGS, resumed on February 17, 2026, effectively ending the double billing that had affected importers and exporters. 

The meeting brought together representatives of the Port Authority of Douala, PAD, SGS and the Head of the Littoral I Customs Sector. 

Focus was on assessing progress made since an initial consultation held on February 12, 2026.

According to the release, signed by GeCAM President, Célestin Tawamba, the business community welcomed “measures envisaged by the stakeholders with a view to reimbursing companies for sums unduly paid during the crisis period”. 

The business group further acknowledged steps taken to accelerate customs clearance procedures in order to ease congestion at the country’s main maritime gateway. 

However, GeCAM stressed that consultations must continue, particularly regarding the impact of scanning operations on non-containerised cargo. 

It warned that additional costs associated with such flows could significantly affect the competitiveness of companies and the purchasing power of households. 

“The Cameroon Business Organisation therefore invites businesses to resume their import/export operations with confidence,” the release concluded.

The crisis had its roots in a standoff between two scanning operators, SGS and TransAtlantic D both of which had been operating simultaneously at the Douala-Bonabéri terminal since the beginning of 2026. 

This, according to the business community, resulted in systematic double billing and logistical paralysis. Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dr Chief Joseph Dion Ngute, had intervened as early as January 29, 2026, ordering SGS to be reinstated on the grounds that its government contract, signed in 2015, remained valid until 2032. 

Finance Minister, Louis Paul Motaze, subsequently wrote directly to the Director General of PAD demanding that SGS be immediately restored to its full operational rights.

Despite those directives, the situation had continued to deteriorate, prompting GeCAM on February 12, to issue an ultimatum threatening a temporary suspension of import, export and customs declarations unless urgent corrective action was taken. In response, PAD recommitted to ensure continuity in port operations.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3709 of Friday February 20, 2026