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ABUJA – The Director-General, National Boundary Commission (NBC), Mr Adamu Adaji, says stronger collaboration is essential to resolving boundary disputes and strengthening Nigeria’s border security.
Adaji stated this at a two-day interface on “Inclusive Border Governance: Engaging States and Local Governments on Border Security and Economic Growth.
A statement on the event was made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja by the commission’s Head of Information, Press and Public Relations, Mrs Chinwe Udouwem.
Udouwem said the interface attracted senators, deputy governors, officials of the NBC representatives of state governments, development partners and community stakeholders.
She said the forum focused on practical strategies for improving border governance, enhancing security and promoting sustainable socio-economic development in border communities.
In the statement, Adaji described the interface as a strategic platform for dialogue between the National Assembly and institutions managing Nigeria’s internal and international boundaries.
He said effective border governance extends beyond tackling trans-border crimes to include conflict prevention, institutional cooperation and development through sustained engagement among relevant stakeholders.
The NBC boss reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to resolving boundary disputes through dialogue, technical expertise and collaboration with governments relevant agencies.
Adaji urged state governments to establish and strengthen State Boundary Commissions.
According to him, effective border management requires partnerships involving federal, state, local authorities, neighbouring countries and border communities.
He expressed confidence that recommendations from the interface would help prevent boundary disputes, strengthen peaceful relations and expand economic opportunities in Nigeria’s border regions.
Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on States and Local Government Administration, Sen. Binos Yaroe, said border communities still faced poor infrastructure, unemployment, inadequate amenities and communal conflicts.
Yaroe said sustainable border governance required community participation, strong local institutions and deliberate investment in economic opportunities.
He expressed optimism that the interface would produce practical policy recommendations.
President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening border security, peaceful coexistence and economic development.
Akpabio, represented by the Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Mohammed Monguno, also reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to promoting good governance that would improve the livelihoods of border communities.
foster peaceful coexistence and strengthen good neighbourliness. (NAN)
