ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Nigeria, Adamu Adaji, has reaffirmed the need for improved border demarcation to boost cross-border cooperation, strengthen regional security, and enhance the welfare of border communities across West Africa.
In a statement issued by the commission on Monday, Adaji made the remarks through the Head of Cross Border Cooperation, Dr Farouk Tarfa, who represented him at a two-day Cross Border Cooperation Programme held along the Nigeria-Benin and Benin-Togo borders on May 14 and 15, 2026.
The programme was organised 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 explained that many African borders inherited from the colonial era remained unclear at independence, noting that African leaders nonetheless agreed to respect inherited treaties while pursuing peaceful resolutions to disputes and advancing regional integration.
Adaji also praised the efforts of the National Boundary Commissions of Nigeria and Benin in fostering effective 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.
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Among those present at the programme were the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission of 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.
Addressing participants, Dr Yousouf Adams said, “Border governance in West Africa is currently undergoing significant transformation driven by collective commitments towards security, cooperation, and regional integration.”
He added that the African Union Border Programme provides a continental framework designed to encourage member states to properly define their borders and transform border regions into centres of cooperation and development.
As part of the programme, delegates inspected border pillars and visited several cross-border socio-economic projects.
They also paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Iwoye-Ketou, His Royal Majesty Sir Isaac, where they sought continued support for sustained cross-border cooperation aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and cordial relations among border communities.
The monarch commended the National Boundary Commissions of Nigeria and Benin, alongside the German International Cooperation, for supporting peaceful relations and improving the welfare of border residents.
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“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 extended to him and reaffirmed the commitment of the GIZ-African Union Border Programme to 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 carried out a solidarity visit to the Benin-Togo border, where Local Cross Border Cooperation Platforms were inaugurated.
The activation of the platforms is expected to serve as a practical move from an “ECOWAS of States” to an “ECOWAS of People,” while promoting sustainable development, peaceful coexistence, and stronger cross-border security across the sub-region.
The statement recalled 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 implement the platforms to improve the livelihoods of border communities, strengthen security, and deepen regional integration in West Africa.