(JUBA) – The South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) has joined a joint inter agency operation aimed at improving trade and tackling illegal roadblocks along the Juba–Nesitu route.
The operation, carried out on 17 September 2025, was led by the Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), Simon Akuei Deng. It brought together senior officials including the Deputy Governor of Central Equatoria State, Paulino Lukudo, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Uztaz Yel Luol Koor, and the Juba County Commissioner, alongside security agencies and other state bodies.
Authorities said the initiative was designed to enhance trade facilitation, reduce costs for businesses, and ensure goods move more freely between Juba and Nesitu. The Juba–Nesitu road is a vital trade corridor used by transporters and suppliers moving goods from regional markets into South Sudan’s capital.
The SSNBS, which by law is responsible for protecting consumers through national quality standards, said its role in the operation goes beyond enforcement of product safety. The Bureau noted that ensuring all imported and exported goods—food and non-food alike—meet required standards is vital for both public health and investor confidence.
During the operation, the taskforce began removing illegal checkpoints, which traders have long complained add unnecessary delays and extra costs to moving goods. Officials stressed that institutions must operate within their legal responsibilities, avoiding practices that burden traders and limit South Sudan’s competitiveness in regional markets.
Business leaders in Juba say illegal roadblocks often translate into higher transport costs, which eventually push up prices of consumer goods. With inflation already a pressing concern for households, any measure to ease the flow of goods is expected to support local markets and regional trade.
The government said it intends to continue joint inspections on trade routes, combining the expertise of revenue, trade, standards and security institutions. The SSNBS confirmed that its inspectors will also be deployed to ensure that quality checks at border points are carried out in line with existing regulations, while removing barriers that slow down trade.
According to SSNBS, this latest move reflects broader efforts to build confidence among traders and investors by ensuring that South Sudan’s trade routes remain open, predictable and free from unofficial levies.
SSNBS and Partners Clear Illegal Checkpoints on Juba–Nesitu Route
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Operation | 17 September 2025 |
| Location | Juba–Nesitu route, Juba County, South Sudan |
| Lead Institution | South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) |
| Key Participants | SSNBS, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Central Equatoria State, Juba County, security organs |
| Main Goal | Enhance trade facilitation and dismantle illegal checkpoints |
| Role of SSNBS | Ensure all imported and exported goods meet national standards, protect public health and support trade facilitation |
| Action Taken | Removal of illegal checkpoints; warning institutions to stick to legal mandates |
| Business Impact | Reduces delays and transport costs; improves flow of goods, lowers consumer prices |
| Long-Term Focus | Build investor confidence, strengthen compliance, support regional market access |