The National Boundary Commission said it is committed to a transformation process and effective governance of Nigeria’s territorial borders.
The Director General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, stated this at an event to mark the 2025 Africa Border Day.
Surveyor Adaji noted that the day highlights the significant role of the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation (the Niamey Convention) in the integration of countries across the continent.
He remarked that the African Border Day is celebrated each year under various themes, specifically to highlight key dimensions of border governance.
“The National Boundary Commission has chosen this year’s theme: Building Border Community Resilience and Economic Development through Cross-Border Cooperation to celebrate the Day.
“This is in line with the African Union’s all-embracing theme of the year: ‘Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” he stated.
The Director General said that the colonial borders, which were previously seen more as barriers of separation and zones of confrontation occasioned by disputes and conflicts, are now increasingly being turned into bridges of cooperation and integration between nations, describing it as a welcome and encouraging development.
Adaji noted that the day is used by member states to raise awareness on the critical role international borders play in promoting peace, security, regional integration, and inclusive socio-economic development across the continent.
“Member states are reminded to ratify the convention for it to come into operation. Nigeria has since ratified the Convention. The essence of today’s celebration is to bring together all relevant stakeholders to reflect on the day and to celebrate African Border Day,” he informed.