The Nigerian Government has directed the National Boundaries Commission to ensure documentation of International boundaries for the prevention of conflict that may arise from border disputes in the future.
Nigeria’s Attorney general and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami gave the directives at an event marking African Border Day in Abuja Nigeria, with the theme ‘Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for building the Africa we want’.
June 7th was designated as African Border Day celebration by the African Ministers in charge of border issues in 2010 as a veritable platform for showcasing the importance of African Union Border Program AUBP and to provide a framework for coordination between relevant government structures and borderland communities on national security and trans-border economic growth.
According to the Justice Minister, represented by Director International boundaries in the Ministry Dr. Francis Onu, documenting border boundaries will go along way in stimulating harmony, and trade benefits.
He said, “the National Boundaries Commission has successfully demarcated the Nigeria-Benin Republic border, Nigeria-Niger Republic border, Nigeria-Chad border, Nigeria-Equatorial Guinea border, and Nigeria-Sao Tome boundaries and of nearing completion is the Nigeria-Cameroon border.”
“This is a good step taking by the Nigera’s government for development.” The Minister added.
In a remark, the Director General National Boundaries Commission Mr. Adamu Adaji identified political and social problems and their spiral effects in the hinterland, threatens development efforts.
He said, “a common border governance strategy that would address the root causes of the border problems and open doors of opportunities for trans-border economic cooperation, regional engagement and African integration is imperative.”
The boundaries Commission also said it is also important for Nigeria to develop an integrated border management approach that would holistically address national security challenges.
“Border management is first and foremost predicted on the definition of the limits of the border where the sovereign jurisdiction of the nation-state and the extent to which it’s laws are applicable are clearly known. Secondly, protecting and defending the borders against external aggression , taking measures that would ensure effective monitoring of inflow and outflow of persons, goods and services across the define frontiers of the nation,” the DG boundaries Commission explained.
In a goodwill message, the Surveyor General of the federation represented by the Director International boundaries Mr. Adeyemi Adebomehin stressed the need for African countries foster a peaceful and prosperous border boundaries in the continent.
He said, “their should be a proper and coordinated efforts in the development of up to date framework for integration of border communities between relevant government agencies of each of the countries.”
On his part, the traditional ruler of Yashikira a border community with the Republic of Benin HRH Alhaji Umar Usman identified lack of border community development and proper security as among causes of insecurity in border areas.
He called on the Nigerian government to establish a military base in border communities to checkmate criminality.
Nnenna.O
