Travelling from Cameroon to Nigeria for business has become increasingly common among entrepreneurs, especially those in retail sectors like...
Travelling from Cameroon to Nigeria for business has become increasingly common among entrepreneurs, especially those in retail sectors like fashion, hair, cosmetics, and fabrics. Nigeria is known for having large markets with diverse goods at competitive wholesale prices, which makes it attractive for business owners in Cameroon.
However, the journey is not as simple as just packing your bags and crossing the border. There are important considerations every Cameroonian businessperson should know before making this trip. If you plan carefully, you’ll save money, avoid stress, and make your business venture profitable.
1. Research the Market Before You Travel
Nigeria is vast, and Lagos alone is a megacity with numerous specialized markets. Each type of product has a preferred market where it is sold at the best wholesale rates.
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Hair products: Certain markets are well-known for selling human hair, braids, and wigs at bulk prices.
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Fabrics: There are designated fabric hubs where prices are cheaper compared to random shops.
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Cosmetics and skincare: Again, specific markets specialize in these.
Before you travel, take time to research where exactly your type of product is sold at wholesale. This will save you from wasting time and money wandering in the wrong markets and buying at higher prices.
2. Choose Accommodation Wisely
Your accommodation should depend on the market you’re visiting. If you’re shopping in multiple markets, find a central location that allows easy transportation to all of them. If it’s just one market, stay nearby to avoid extra transportation costs when moving heavy goods.
Remember: the closer you are to your chosen market, the easier and cheaper it will be to transport your purchases back to your hotel.
3. Plan How You’ll Pay Vendors
Carrying huge sums of cash in Nigerian Naira is risky and impractical. For example, converting 1 million CFA francs into Naira results in bundles of cash that are hard to move around safely.
Safer options include:
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Using a trusted money transfer agent in Cameroon: You give them CFA before you travel, and once you are at the Nigerian market, they transfer money directly to the seller’s bank account when you’re ready to buy.
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Working with contacts in Nigeria: If you have a trusted friend or contact there, you can send money ahead and have them transfer it to vendors on your behalf.
Most Nigerian sellers prefer bank transfers because counting large amounts of cash takes too much time and attracts unnecessary attention.
4. Budget for Transportation of Goods
Transporting your purchases from Nigeria back to Cameroon can be expensive—often much more than new buyers expect. The cost depends on:
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The quantity of goods you’re transporting.
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The type of products (contraband goods attract higher fees at the border).
Drivers and customs officials along the Ekom–Ekok–Buea route will almost certainly charge you additional fees. This is why it’s essential to negotiate with your driver at Ekom before the journey begins. Experienced drivers already know how to settle at checkpoints, saving you stress and unexpected expenses.
If you try to do the negotiating yourself, you’ll likely spend far more because border officers usually charge outsiders heavily.
5. Consider Using Africon for Bulk Goods
If you’re buying large quantities—several bags of fabrics, boxes of hair, or skincare products—using regular cars may not be cost-effective.
Africon buses (luxury coaches) travel from Ekom to Buea on Wednesdays and Saturdays and are much better for bulk loads. Their buses have space for many bags, and they handle most border settlements, making your journey smoother.
While they may charge slightly above the usual 50,000 CFA fare depending on luggage, it’s still cheaper and far less stressful than relying on random drivers.
For small purchases (1–2 bags), regular vehicles remain a cheaper option.
6. Plan Around Ghost Town Days
If you’re from Cameroon, you already know that ghost towns affect movement in the Northwest and Southwest regions. On Mondays, cars do not move on the Buea–Bamenda–Ekom corridor.
Even more challenging are long ghost town stretches (one week or more). If you get stuck at the border during this period, you’ll end up paying extra hotel bills in Ekom and transport prices may double when roads finally reopen due to scarcity of petrol and movement.
Plan your trip so you’re not forced to cross back into Cameroon during ghost town days.
7. Build Relationships With Drivers
Your relationship with drivers can make or break your journey. Friendly, cooperative drivers often go out of their way to:
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Help you bypass certain checkpoints.
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Advise you on safe spots to unload goods.
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Protect you from paying unnecessary bribes.
If you antagonize them or act too smart, they can easily abandon your goods at customs checkpoints, leaving you to deal with officers directly—which will cost you far more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which Nigerian market is best for fabrics?
Markets like Balogun Market (Lagos) and Onitsha Market (Anambra) are famous for wholesale fabrics at competitive prices.
2. Is Lagos cheaper than Onitsha for goods?
Onitsha is generally cheaper for bulk purchases, while Lagos offers wider variety but sometimes at slightly higher rates.
3. How much should I budget for transport from Nigeria to Cameroon?
Transport costs vary depending on the number of bags and type of goods. For small purchases, budget around 50,000 CFA. For larger loads, especially with Africon, expect higher charges.
4. Can I pay Nigerian sellers in CFA?
No. Nigerian vendors prefer Naira bank transfers. It’s better to work with transfer agents who can pay sellers in Naira on your behalf.
5. What’s the safest way to travel with goods?
For small bags, shared cars are fine. For bulk purchases, Africon buses are more reliable as they manage customs processes better.
6. What happens if I travel during ghost town days?
Cars won’t move on Mondays or during declared ghost town weeks. If you’re caught in Ekom, you’ll pay extra for hotels and higher transport costs once roads reopen. Always plan around these days.
7. Do I need a Nigerian contact before travelling?
Not strictly, but having one can make your journey easier for payments, directions, and negotiating with vendors.
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