The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Surveyor Adamu Adaji, has emphasised the need for closer collaboration among the Federal, State and Local Governments to effectively tackle boundary disputes, strengthen border security and harness the economic opportunities available in Nigeria’s border communities.
Surveyor Adaji made the call while speaking at a two-day interface titled “Inclusive Border Governance: Engaging States and Local Governments on Border Security and Economic Growth”, organised by the Senate Committee on States and Local Government Administration.
Describing the interface as timely and strategic, the Director-General noted that it offered a valuable opportunity for meaningful engagement between the National Assembly and institutions directly involved in the administration and management of Nigeria’s internal and international boundaries.
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He also praised the Senate Committee for its consistent legislative support on boundary matters, noting that effective border governance goes beyond combating trans-border crimes to include conflict prevention, development and institutional cooperation.
“This engagement has provided an important platform for direct engagement between the National Assembly and key stakeholders who are at the forefront of addressing boundary and border issues across the country,” Adaji said.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to resolving boundary disputes through dialogue, technical expertise and sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders, with the ultimate goal of promoting peaceful coexistence among neighbouring communities.
According to him, the Commission has maintained close working relationships with state governments, local government councils and relevant federal agencies to prevent boundary-related conflicts and encourage stronger cooperation in areas affected by such disputes.
He stressed that effective border management can only be achieved through continuous partnership involving the Federal Government, State Governments, Local Government Authorities, neighbouring countries and the border communities themselves.
Surveyor Adaji further urged State Governments to establish, strengthen and adequately support State Boundary Commissions and other border management institutions to improve coordination, minimise conflicts and stimulate economic activities in border areas.
He encouraged participants to take advantage of the interface by sharing experiences, identifying existing policy gaps and proposing practical solutions that would strengthen border security and accelerate development in border communities across the country.
Expressing optimism about the outcome of the interface, the Director-General said he was confident that its recommendations would contribute significantly to preventing boundary disputes, fostering peaceful relations among neighbouring communities and expanding economic opportunities in Nigeria’s border regions.
Earlier in his remarks, Senator Binos Yaroe, Chairman of the Senate Committee on States and Local Government Administration, observed that despite their strategic importance to national security, trade and economic prosperity, many border communities continue to face serious challenges, including poor infrastructure, unemployment, inadequate social amenities and persistent communal conflicts.
He noted that sustainable border governance cannot depend solely on security agencies but must also involve effective local institutions, active community participation and deliberate investment in economic opportunities for people living in border areas.
Senator Yaroe expressed confidence that deliberations at the interface would yield practical policy recommendations capable of strengthening governance structures, improving border security and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria’s border communities.
While declaring the interface opened, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, ably represented by Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno, underscored the importance of Border Governance in National Security and Economic Development and pledged the commitment of the National Assembly in ensuring good governance that will improve the livelihood of the border communities, peaceful coexistence and good neighbourliness.
The interface is expected to produce recommendations that will guide the National Assembly and other relevant government institutions in improving border governance, deepening intergovernmental collaboration and driving economic growth across Nigeria’s border regions.
