Nigerian diplomats promise to strengthen ties with Cameroon.

The commitment to strengthen ties between Cameroon and Nigeria was the focus of a tripartite meeting held in Buea, of the South West Region.

The meeting was attended by the High Commissioner of Nigeria to Cameroon, H.E Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin and the Consulates General of Nigeria in Buea and Douala, H.E Bappah Lawal and, H.E Queen Efe Clark respectively.

“As heads of the three missions in Cameroon: the High Commission in Yaoundé, the Consulates General in Buea and Douala, we usually have a tripartite meeting where the three missions meet to discuss issues concerning Nigerians and how to deepen relations with Cameroon. Therefore, we had the first meeting in Yaoundé, second in Douala and now the turn of Buea,” explained H.E Aabyomi Gabriel Olonisakin, the High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Cameroon.

They were also received in audience on behalf of South West Governor by the Secretary General at the Governor’s Office, Gilbert Acha Nkwnti.

The official used the meeting to outline some of the challenges local administrative officials face with Nigerians in the region. The Secretary General regretted that most of the Nigerians resident in the region are involved in fishing and are reticent paying their taxes.

“More and more Nigerian businesspersons are trying to acquire residence permits, while those into fishing paying their taxes are a big challenge. We sensitise them that it is from the taxes that the state can provide some of the basic social amenities, but they remain reticent,” he explained.

Speaking to the press, the High Commissioner affirmed that the relationship between the two countries was cordial, remains solid, and is built on mutual trust and brotherliness.

He promisised to work to encourage their compatriots to fulfil their social responsibilities as residents of Cameroon.

“The relationship between Cameroon and Nigeria has been cordial so far. We continue to encourage Nigerians living in Cameroon to live peacefully and engage in their businesses lawfully. We will continue to urge them to live up to their civil responsibilities, especially in the paying taxes, which the Secretary General at the South West Governor’s office drew my attention to," he concluded.