The document, which authorises the diplomat to exercise his functions, was handed over by South West Governor.

The atmosphere was solemn and the decor at the premises of the South West Governor’s office in Buea spoke volumes of the significance of the ceremony to officially hand over the exequatur signed by President Paul Biya to the new Nigerian Consul General for the South West and North West Regions resident in Buea. His Excellency Dan Wari Wazi received the document on December 5, 2014, from Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai.

According to the Governor, the event marked the official commissioning of the seasoned diplomat to pursue his mission of fostering bilateral relations between the two brotherly nations. Bernard Okalia Bilai exhorted the Nigerian community in the region and Cameroon at large to continue to live in peace with Cameroonians and show respect for the laws and institutions of their host country as well as respect their obligations such as payment of taxes.

Dan Wari Wazi, who was appointed in March 2013, saluted the excellent bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries, stating emphatically that it will always be continued. While calling on Nigerians to abide by the laws and obligations of their host communities, Dan Wari rejoiced at the fact that the process to acquire residence permits has been streamlined at the Buea Emigration Unit. This, he said has permitted many Nigerians to acquire the document and avoid harassment by law enforcement officers. 

The solemn ceremony was attended by the representatives of the Ministry of External Relations, other diplomatic missions and a cross section of the Nigerian community in the South West Region as well as the Governor’s close aides. The President of the Nigerian Union in Cameroon, Chief Andrew Essien, told Cameroon Tribune that there were about 4 million Nigerians in Cameroon in 2013.