Nigeria’s National Boundary Commission has emphasized the need for clearer border demarcation across West Africa as a key strategy to boost regional cooperation, improve security, and enhance living conditions in border communities.
The Director-General of the commission, Adamu Adaji, made the call through the Head of Cross Border Cooperation, Dr Farouk Tarfa, during a two-day Cross Border Cooperation Programme held along the Nigeria–Benin and Benin–Togo borders on May 14 and 15, 2026. The event was organized by the National Boundary Commission of Benin.
Adaji stressed that well-defined borders are essential for peacebuilding, community resilience, and stronger security cooperation across the continent. He also noted that many African borders, inherited from colonial rule, remain unclear but countries have continued to work together to manage disputes and strengthen integration.
He further appealed for continued support from international partners, including German development cooperation agencies, to complete the demarcation of the Nigeria–Benin border, saying it would improve trade, security, and development opportunities for border communities.
The programme brought together officials from Nigeria, Benin, and German development agencies, who all reaffirmed commitment to improving border governance and regional stability.
Delegates also visited border areas, inspected development projects, and met with traditional leaders, including the Oba of Iwoye-Ketou, who praised ongoing efforts to promote peaceful coexistence among border communities.
Officials from the German International Cooperation agency also reiterated their support for initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, security, and sustainable development across West Africa.
