Federal Govt Establishes Platform For Nigeria/Niger Border States

Federal government has established a platform for local border authorities aimed at the improvement of the trans-border relations between the relevant units of Nigeria and Niger Republic.

The integrated platform covers, Sokoto, Kebbi, Jigawa, Katsina, Yobe, Borno and Zamfara states in 21 local government areas that share border with other countries.

 The director-general of National Boundaries Commission, Adamu Adaji, during a workshop for creating the platform, said the discussion was a follow up to the maiden workshop that established the National Consultative Forum for the promotion of security and economic prosperity of the border regions.

According to him, the federal government places great importance on the role of border local government authorities and traditional rulers in the attainment of peaceful co-existence between Nigeria and her proximate neighbours.

In his remarks, the Sokoto State deputy governor and chairman state boundary committee, Idris Gobir, said the workshop came at the right time considering the level of attack witnessed from bandits among border communities.

He appealed to the government at all levels to give border communities a sense of belonging to enable them to address many challenges facing the areas.

Deputy governors of Kebbi, Jigawa, Katsina, Yobe, Borno and Zamfara states that spoke at the occasion commended the commission for its commitment towards ensuring peaceful coexistence among border communities.