Abuja: The National Boundary Commission (NBC) says it is building border community resilience for economic development through cross border cooperation. The Director-General of the commission, Mr. Adamu Adaji, stated this at the commemoration of the 2025 African Border Day in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adaji emphasized the strategic importance of Nigeria’s relationships with its neighboring countries for both security and economic prosperity. He highlighted that the NBC has been at the forefront of facilitating trans-border cooperation workshops aimed at fostering confidence and reducing the impact of borders.
Adaji explained that the NBC is actively engaged in transforming border governance by clearly defining Nigeria’s territorial boundaries. This involves not only the demarcation and delimitation of borders to prevent conflicts but also ensuring the equitable use of transboundary resources. He noted that the NBC’s initiatives are inclusive, involving border communities, local authorities, and traditional institutions to build resilience and promote economic development.
He further elaborated on the significance of African Border Day, which is celebrated by member states to underscore the role of borders in maintaining peace and security. The day also serves as a platform to promote regional integration and socio-economic development across Africa. Adaji pointed out the relevance of the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation in enhancing continental integration.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, advocated for the establishment of special funds to support boundary platforms and the creation of marine corps to bolster intelligence gathering and safety along Nigeria’s coastal borders. Similarly, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto, Mr. Idris Gobir, stressed the necessity of constructing border fences to protect citizens from criminal activities.
The event saw participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from security agencies, underscoring the collective effort required to strengthen cross-border cooperation and ensure national security.