The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to securing Nigeria’s borders through stronger collaboration among federal agencies, border states, traditional institutions and neighbouring countries through cross border cooperation.
This was the focus of a one-day high-level national workshop on “Border Security, Resilience and Cross Border Cooperation” organised by the National Boundary Commission (NBC) in Abuja.
Representing the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd) at the event, the Special Adviser to the Minister, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole (rtd), said effective border management remains critical to national security and development.
He noted that Nigeria’s borders are not merely territorial lines but strategic spaces for trade, interaction and shared heritage, while also serving as frontline areas against transnational crimes, irregular migration, smuggling and emerging security threats.
The Minister stressed the need for a shift from traditional security approaches to proactive strategies, including early warning systems, technology-driven surveillance and stronger intelligence sharing with neighbouring countries.
According to him, “resilient borders are not only secured, they are adaptive, inclusive and capable of withstanding security threats, climate change and economic disruptions.”
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Earlier, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, said Nigeria’s border management requires collective action.
He noted that the country shares about 4,454 kilometres of land borders with Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, as well as about 853-kilometre coastal stretch.
Adaji explained that the NBC has established cross-border cooperation platforms involving border communities, traditional rulers, local authorities, security agencies and civil society organisations to promote dialogue, information gathering and conflict prevention.
Strengthening Cross-border Cooperation
The workshop featured presentations on strengthening cross-border cooperation, maritime governance and the blue economy, as well as drone technology, border resilience and peacebuilding for national security.
The Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, called for greater cooperation among nations, stressing that no country can manage border challenges in isolation.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governors and Chairmen of the State Boundary Committees of Nigeria’s border States that attended the workshop commended the NBC for promoting cross-border advocacy and pledged stronger collaboration towards improving border security and tackling transboundary crimes.
Strengthening Traditional Grassroots Engagement
Traditional rulers along Nigeria’s international borders, led by the Emir of Machina, Alhaji (Dr.) Bashir, urged government to strengthen engagement with traditional institutions, describing them as vital communication channels at the grassroots.
The monarch said traditional rulers are the “first eyes and ears” of border communities and should be involved as partners in security coordination rather than mere spectators.
The workshop ended with stakeholders reaffirming commitment to building secure, resilient and economically productive borders for Nigeria.
