(NIMULE, EASTERN EQUATORIA) – A major European Union funded infrastructure project is set to transform South Sudan’s economy through improved trade and customs operations at the country’s busiest border crossing.
The Mayor of Nimule Municipality, Caesar Longa Fuli, confirmed that the One Stop Border Post (OSBP) project, valued at 10 million euros (equivalent to 12 million US dollars or 55.2 billion South Sudanese Pounds), will be implemented at the Nimule Border with Uganda. The project is expected to enhance revenue collection, strengthen cross border trade and create jobs for the local population.
The announcement followed an official visit to Nimule by a South Sudan government delegation from Juba. The delegation was led by the Deputy Commissioner General of Customs, Hon. Taban Abel Aguek of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), who held discussions on the project’s implementation schedule and the resolution of disputes over illegal occupation of customs land.
Mayor Fuli described the project as both an economic and social opportunity.
“This initiative will improve revenue collection and create jobs for ordinary people. It is not only about money for the government but also about livelihoods for the community.”
The mayor stressed that youth and women will be given special consideration in employment opportunities arising from the construction and operation of the new facility.
He further appealed to residents of Nimule and surrounding areas to support the initiative.
“The community must embrace and own this project for the development of both the municipality and the nation.”
The One Stop Border Post model is used across East Africa to ease the movement of goods and people by bringing together border control agencies from neighbouring countries under one roof. This reduces delays, improves efficiency and allows governments to increase customs revenue while curbing smuggling and other illegal practices.
The Nimule Border is South Sudan’s busiest trade gateway, handling the majority of goods entering the country from Uganda, Kenya and beyond. With South Sudan heavily dependent on imports for food, fuel and manufactured goods, the border plays a crucial role in stabilising markets and ensuring supply chains function effectively.
Officials believe the new facility will not only increase transparency and efficiency in customs operations but will also significantly raise government revenue collection at a time when South Sudan is seeking to strengthen non oil sources of income.
Quick Conversion Reference
| Value | Euros | US Dollars | South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project Cost | €10,000,000 | $12,000,000 | SSP 55,200,000,000 |