Nigeria, Benin deepen cross-border security, trade cooperation

The Director-General of Nigeria's National Boundary Commission, Adamu Adaji, has emphasized the significance of improved boundary marking in fostering cross-border collaboration, bolstering regional safety, and enhancing the living standards of communities situated along borders throughout West Africa.

A declaration from the commission released on Monday indicated that Adaji expressed this viewpoint through Dr Farouk Tarfa, the Head of Cross Border Cooperation, who represented him during a two-day Cross Border Cooperation Programme that took place along the Nigeria-Benin and Benin-Togo borders on May 14 and 15, 2026.

This initiative was organized and led by Dr Yousouf Adams, who is the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission of the Republic of Benin.

Adaji remarked, “Accurately defined and well-marked borders are essential for fostering cross-border collaboration, community resilience, peace, and security throughout the African continent.”

He pointed out that numerous African borders inherited from colonial times were quite unclear at the time of independence. However, he mentioned that African leaders made a commitment to honor the treaties inherited while striving to amicably address disputes and promote regional unity.

Adaji also praised the efforts made by the two National Boundary Commissions in advancing effective border management and harmonious living among bordering communities.

“We seek ongoing backing and intervention from the German International Cooperation for the completion of the demarcation process for the Nigeria-Benin International Boundary. Successfully finalizing this demarcation will lead to improved cross-border collaboration, greater livelihood prospects for communities in border regions, and enhanced border security,” he expressed.

Present at the event were Dr Yousouf Adams, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission of the Benin Republic; Dr Tobias Thiel, the Director of German International Cooperation at the African Union; Mr Max Middeke, the Head of GIZ Programme Support to the African Union for Promoting Peace, Security, and Governance in Africa; and Dr Bakary Sanou, the Head of GIZ-African Union Border Programme.

During the proceedings, Dr Yousouf Adams remarked that “Border management in West Africa is currently experiencing substantial change driven by shared commitments to security, cooperation, and regional integration.”

He elaborated that the African Union Border Programme serves as a continental framework designed to motivate member countries to clearly delineate their borders and transform border regions into areas fostering cooperation and growth.

As part of their activities, the delegation examined border pillars and assessed various cross-border socio-economic initiatives. They also made a courtesy visit to the Oba of Iwoye-Ketou, His Royal Majesty Sir Isaac, where they requested continued backing for ongoing cross-border cooperation that aims to strengthen peaceful relations and neighborliness among communities near the borders.

The monarch praised the initiatives of the National Boundary Commissions of Nigeria and Benin, along with the German International Cooperation, in promoting peaceful interactions and improving the welfare of those living along the borders.

"Involving border communities instills a sense of belonging, reduces irregular migration, and further enhances security in the border regions," the traditional leader affirmed.
In his speech, Dr Tobias Thiel, who serves as the Director of German International Cooperation at the African Union, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received and reiterated the dedication of the GIZ-African Union Border Programme to enhancing border management throughout Africa.

“Borders are not static; they are complex and should, therefore, be prioritized to foster peace, collaboration, and sustainable growth across the continent,” he stated.

As part of the West African Cross Border Cooperation project, Dr Farouk Tarfa, representing the Director-General of NBC Nigeria, also made a solidarity visit to the border between Benin and Togo, where Local Cross Border Cooperation Platforms were officially launched.

The implementation of these platforms is anticipated to be a significant move towards transforming the concept of “ECOWAS of States” into an “ECOWAS of People,” while simultaneously encouraging sustainable development, peaceful cohabitation, and improved cross-border security within the region.

It is noteworthy that municipalities and local authorities from Nigeria and Benin had previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding Local Cross-Border Cooperation and are expected to fully activate the platforms. This initiative aims to enhance the living conditions of communities along the border, bolster security, and advance the integration process within West Africa.