4 research outputs found

    Cross-Border Trade: An Analysis of Trade and Market Integration along the Nigeria-Cameroon Borderlands

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    The focus of this paper is on unrecorded trade as opposed to the recorded in the Cross River, (Nigeria) segment of the borders with western Cameroon. Empirical data derived from the borderland indicate that the development of border markets, twin towns and their transformation is traceable to the trading activities across borders. These border areas have become the convergence of internationality and locality. Along and astride the borders, the Nigerian currency (Naira) and Cameroonian franc are openly exchanged unofficially to purchase manufactured goods, pharmaceuticals and food stuff in the presence of security agents and government officials who have become participants in the trade across-borders. The twin towns and border markets have become sanctuaries for social miscreants, criminal elements, human traffickers, including those involved in the ‘sins businesses. An assessment of cross-border trade and market integration reveal that inhabitants of the border areas have become economically, socially and politically integrated in spite of the conflict over the Bakassi Peninsula. Based on empirical analysis, bilateral agreements between Nigeria and Cameroon have made negligible positive impact on the process of trade and market integration. While the process of trade liberalization should be intensified as a means of fast-tracking the tempo of formal trade expansion between the two, recognition should be given to the unrecorded trade and market integration processes. It is concluded that the two governments should lay emphasis on the provision of basic infrastructures and security which cross-border trade, investment and market integration can be based. The micro-integration formalities taking place along and astride the Nigeria-Cameroon borderlands are a wide spread phenomenon, characteristic of African borders. These micro-integration formalities are based on the realities of African history and could be galvanized and utilized for wider economic and market integration in the continent

    Cross-Border Trade: An Analysis of Trade and Market Integration along the Nigeria-Cameroon Borderlands

    No full text
    The focus of this paper is on unrecorded trade as opposed to the recorded in the Cross River, (Nigeria) segment of the borders with western Cameroon. Empirical data derived from the borderland indicate that the development of border markets, twin towns and their transformation is traceable to the trading activities across borders. These border areas have become the convergence of internationality and locality. Along and astride the borders, the Nigerian currency (Naira) and Cameroonian franc are openly exchanged unofficially to purchase manufactured goods, pharmaceuticals and food stuff in the presence of security agents and government officials who have become participants in the trade across-borders. The twin towns and border markets have become sanctuaries for social miscreants, criminal elements, human traffickers, including those involved in the ‘sins businesses. An assessment of cross-border trade and market integration reveal that inhabitants of the border areas have become economically, socially and politically integrated in spite of the conflict over the Bakassi Peninsula. Based on empirical analysis, bilateral agreements between Nigeria and Cameroon have made negligible positive impact on the process of trade and market integration. While the process of trade liberalization should be intensified as a means of fast-tracking the tempo of formal trade expansion between the two, recognition should be given to the unrecorded trade and market integration processes. It is concluded that the two governments should lay emphasis on the provision of basic infrastructures and security which cross-border trade, investment and market integration can be based. The micro-integration formalities taking place along and astride the Nigeria-Cameroon borderlands are a wide spread phenomenon, characteristic of African borders. These micro-integration formalities are based on the realities of African history and could be galvanized and utilized for wider economic and market integration in the continent

    International Boundaries and “Split Personalities”: The Experience of the Boki Ethnic Nationality in the Cross River Region and South West Region of Cameroon

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    The paper submits that international boundaries, have divided not only kith and kin but cultural coherent areas, natural regions and the sea bed, thus, placing them in one or two states. International boundaries in the perception of state-centric scholars are intended to function as barriers or limits of their states administrative and jurisdictional competence, thereby conforming to the classical attributes of the nationstate, a product of the 19th Century Nationalism in Europe. This study of the Boke, splintered by the 1913 Anglo-German boundary, utilized the micro or grassroots levels of analysis. It is argued that comparative border studies underscore certainpatterns of “universalism” that can be applied to the behavioural pattern orborderlanders. In spite of this universalism, it is indicated that European boundaries are being decomposed into bridges of co-operation and development as opposed to their earlier perception as barriers. The study concludes by way of policy recommendations that Nigeria – Cameroon stakeholders should imbibe this new thinking, and embark on transborder regionalism in order to develop their borderlanders and reverse the status of the border from its conflictual litigation profile to bridges of co-operation for integration and development

    The International Court of Justice (I.C.J.) Judgment Over the Bakassi Peninsula: A Model in the Resolution of African Boundary Disputes

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    The imposition of colonial boundaries in Africa created serious problems for the postcolonial states. In most instances boundary problems have resulted to border skirmishes and conflicts that have made many African states enemies of themselves as such. These boundaries are not pure boundaries since they have divided related ethnic groups, the sea bed and natural features into two or more states foisting on them a new notion of citizenship. The paper submits that boundary conflicts between Nigeria and Cameroon have been fuelled by the presence of hydro-carbon deposits in the area. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment has confirmed the Peninsula as being Cameroonian territory. It is indicated that this judgment be sustained by the two states in order to enable the Green Tree Agreement and the Mixed Commission to functionalise the decisions of the court. It is suggested that the option of war and litigation cannot resolve the impasse, rather, both states could benefit from the European Transboundary regionalism and convert their borders from irritants of war to bridges of development. This policy is in consonance with the Pan African idea of closer unity; including the Lagos Plan of Action, the African Economic Treaty Charter and the need to ground African economic integration on the realities of African history
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