Effective Border Control Demands States’ Support – Boundary Commission

National Boundary Commission (NBC) has said that effective border control and governance in Nigeria can be achieved only through strong collaboration among the federal government, the state governments and other key institutions.

The director-general of the commission, Adamu Adaji, stated this yesterday in Abuja at a one-day high-level national workshop on Border Security, Resilience and Cross-Border Cooperation.

Adaji said Nigeria’s vast international boundaries and the complex challenges confronting border communities require a coordinated approach involving all levels of government and stakeholders.

He noted that Nigeria shares about 4,444 kilometres of land boundaries with the Republics of Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, where communities maintain longstanding cultural, social and economic ties.

According to him, borders should not merely be viewed as lines separating countries but as strategic spaces that connect people, influence peace and security, and create opportunities for economic development.

“Effective border governance cannot be achieved by the commission alone. It requires strong collaboration with sub-national governments and other relevant institutions,” he said.

The NBC boss explained that the commission’s mandate includes defining and interpreting Nigeria’s territorial boundaries, monitoring trans-border relations and identifying potential flashpoints capable of triggering conflicts.

He added that the commission also promotes equitable utilisation of shared boundary resources and facilitates cross-border cooperation with neighbouring countries.

Adaji disclosed that the NBC had established technical platforms along Nigeria’s international borders in line with the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation.

He said the platforms provide avenues for engagement among border communities, government officials, local authorities, security agencies, civil society organisations and traditional leaders.

According to him, the initiative is designed to strengthen peaceful coexistence, promote prosperity, encourage joint problem-solving and improve community participation in security and development efforts.

“The platforms play a vital role in addressing the root causes of insecurity and conflict while fostering lawful collaboration among communities that share common historical, cultural and economic bonds,” he said.

Adaji described the initiative as a practical and sustainable strategy for building resilient border communities and advancing regional integration and collective security within West Africa.

He urged stakeholders to move beyond reactive responses to border challenges and adopt forward-looking approaches that integrate security, governance and socio-economic development.

The NBC director-general further stressed that properly managed borders could serve as gateways for trade, cultural exchange and economic growth rather than being viewed solely through the lens of control and protection.

He expressed optimism over the progress recorded through ongoing border cooperation initiatives, saying the achievements had reinforced the commission’s commitment to building a safer and more prosperous future for border communities and the nation at large.