Nigeria, Benin deepen cross-border security, trade cooperation

The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Nigeria, Adamu Adaji, has reiterated the importance of enhanced border demarcation in promoting cross-border cooperation, strengthening regional security, and improving the livelihoods of border communities across West Africa.

A statement from the commission on Monday stated that Adaji disclosed this through the Head of Cross Border Cooperation, Dr Farouk Tarfa, who represented him at a two-day Cross Border Cooperation Programme along the Nigeria-Benin and Benin-Togo borders on May 14 and 15, 2026.

The programme was hosted and coordinated by the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission of the Republic of Benin, Dr Yousouf Adams.

According to Adaji, “Clearly defined and properly demarcated borders remain critical to enhancing cross-border cooperation, community resilience, peace, and security across the African continent.”

He noted that most African borders inherited from the colonial era were largely ambiguous at independence, adding that African leaders nevertheless resolved to respect the inherited treaties while working amicably towards resolving areas of dispute and strengthening regional integration.

Adaji further commended the efforts of the two National Boundary Commissions in promoting good border governance and peaceful coexistence among border communities.

“We seek the continued support and intervention of the German International Cooperation towards the completion of the demarcation of the Nigeria–Benin International Boundary. The successful completion of the demarcation process will pave the way for improved cross-border cooperation, enhanced livelihood opportunities for borderland communities, and strengthened border security,” he stated.

The programme was attended by the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission of the Benin Republic, Dr Yousouf Adams; the Director of German International Cooperation at the African Union, Dr Tobias Thiel; the Head of GIZ Programme Support to the African Union for Promoting Peace, Security and Governance in Africa, Mr Max Middeke; and the Head of GIZ-African Union Border Programme, Dr Bakary Sanou.

Speaking during the programme, Dr Yousouf Adams stated that, “Border governance in West Africa is currently undergoing significant transformation driven by collective commitments towards security, cooperation, and regional integration.”

He explained that the African Union Border Programme serves as a continental framework aimed at encouraging member states to properly define their borders and transform border areas into spaces of cooperation and development.

As part of the activities, the delegation visited border pillars and inspected several cross-border socio-economic projects. The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Iwoye-Ketou, His Royal Majesty Sir Isaac, where they solicited continued support for sustained cross-border cooperation aimed at strengthening peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness among border communities.

The monarch commended the efforts of the National Boundary Commissions of Nigeria and Benin, as well as the German International Cooperation, in promoting peaceful relations and improving the livelihoods of border dwellers.

“Engaging border communities gives them a sense of belonging, reduces irregular migration and further enhances security within the border areas,” the traditional ruler stated.

In his remarks, the Director of German International Cooperation at the African Union, Dr Tobias Thiel, appreciated the warm reception accorded to him and reaffirmed the commitment of the GIZ-African Union Border Programme towards improving border governance across Africa.

“Borders are dynamic and multi-dimensional and should therefore be accorded utmost priority in order to promote peace, cooperation, and sustainable development across the continent,” he said.

Within the framework of the West African Cross Border Cooperation initiative, the representative of the Director-General of NBC Nigeria, Dr Farouk Tarfa, also undertook a solidarity visit to the Benin-Togo border, where Local Cross Border Cooperation Platforms were inaugurated.

The operationalisation of the platforms is expected to serve as a practical step towards moving from an “ECOWAS of States” to an “ECOWAS of People,” while also promoting sustainable development, peaceful coexistence, and enhanced cross-border security across the sub-region.

Recall that local governments and communes from Nigeria and Benin had earlier signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Local Cross-Border Cooperation and are expected to fully operationalise the platforms to improve the livelihoods of borderland communities, strengthen security, and deepen the West African integration process.