RismadarVoice Reporters, May 19, 2026
Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have intensified efforts to strengthen cross-border cooperation aimed at improving regional security, promoting trade and enhancing economic opportunities for communities along their shared borders.
The renewed commitment emerged during a two-day Cross Border Cooperation Programme held along the Nigeria-Benin and Benin-Togo borders, where government officials and regional stakeholders emphasised the importance of effective border governance in achieving peace and development.
Director-General of Nigeria’s National Boundary Commission (NBC), Adamu Adaji, represented by the Head of Cross-Border Cooperation, Dr Farouk Tarfa, highlighted the role of properly defined boundaries in reducing disputes and fostering stronger collaboration among neighbouring countries.
According to him, clearly demarcated borders remain essential to strengthening security, encouraging economic activities and improving the welfare of communities living within border regions.
He noted that many African borders inherited from the colonial period were not clearly defined at independence, but explained that African nations had continued to pursue peaceful approaches towards addressing disputes and promoting regional integration.
Adaji commended the efforts of both Nigeria and Benin in promoting peaceful coexistence and improving governance structures around border communities.
He also called for sustained support from development partners towards completing the demarcation of the Nigeria-Benin international boundary, stressing that such efforts would further strengthen security and create broader economic opportunities.
Officials from Benin, the African Union and German International Cooperation (GIZ) participated in the programme and reiterated the need for stronger partnerships to address security challenges and facilitate development in border areas.
The Director-General of Benin’s National Boundary Commission, Yousouf Adams, said regional border governance was evolving through collaborative efforts focused on security, integration and economic cooperation.
As part of activities during the programme, delegates visited border communities and inspected socio-economic projects designed to encourage cooperation and improve livelihoods.
Traditional leaders also pledged support for initiatives aimed at sustaining peaceful relations and reducing irregular migration in border communities.
Stakeholders further stressed that stronger engagement with local communities would create a sense of inclusion while supporting broader regional goals of peace, trade expansion and sustainable development.
The initiative forms part of wider efforts under the West African Cross-Border Cooperation framework to strengthen integration and encourage closer ties among countries within the sub-region.
