The Nigerian Army recently intercepted two Dangote trucks along with three additional vehicles accused of smuggling contraband to Cameroon, as reported by SaharaReporters. The operation unveiled the trucks, each laden with 600 50kg cement bags, showcased to the media at the Nigerian police headquarters in Yola, the capital of Adamawa state.
This action was in direct response to an executive directive issued by Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, prohibiting the cross-border transport of construction materials through Adamawa pathways.
During a media briefing, government and police spokespersons, Humwashi Wonosikou and SP Suleiman Nguroje, respectively, disclosed the capture occurred just short of Jamtari, a border locality connecting Nigeria and Cameroon.
Wonosikou highlighted the government’s stance against such unauthorized exports, especially given the current economic strains, emphasizing the peculiar risks posed by the state’s border location. He questioned the necessity for such a substantial cement shipment to a border community within Adamawa.
Nguroje informed that state-wide enforcement of the ban on transporting construction materials across the border is currently active.
Representatives from Dangote Cement’s Yola depot, present at the scene, contested the claims, arguing against the interception of their trucks within Nigerian borders, emphasizing their client’s request to transport the goods to Jamtari without intentions of crossing into Cameroon.
In a notable development, Abiola Oyetunji, named in the waybill as a contact, was surprised to learn the trucks had departed the Yola depot, stating that the trucks should not leave until a sale is finalized.
Dangote Cement Plc, part of the expansive Dangote Group led by Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest individual, faces scrutiny amidst these allegations, underscoring the complexities of enforcing trade regulations within border regions.