BY CHIJIOKE CHARLES
The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Surveyor Adamu Adaji, has called for stronger collaboration among the federal, state and local governments to address boundary disputes, strengthen border security and unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s border communities.
Adaji spoke on Tuesday at a two-day workshop on “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 in collaboration with Global Gold Consult Ltd.
Afrilensnews reports that the workshop brought together senators, deputy governors, officials of the National Boundary Commission, state representatives, development partners and community stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening border governance and promoting sustainable development.
The NBC boss described the engagement as a strategic platform for direct interaction between the National Assembly and stakeholders responsible for managing Nigeria’s internal and international boundaries.
He commended the Senate Committee for sustaining legislative engagement on boundary issues, stressing that effective border management extends beyond tackling cross-border crimes.
“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.
Surveyor Adaji said the commission remains committed to resolving boundary disputes through dialogue, technical mechanisms and collaboration with relevant authorities to promote peaceful coexistence among neighbouring communities.
According to him, the commission has continued to work with state governments, local councils and federal agencies to prevent boundary-related conflicts and strengthen cooperation in affected areas.
“Issues of border management require sustained cooperation among the federal government, the states and local government authorities, as well as transnational institutions and affected border communities,” he said.
Adaji urged state governments to establish and strengthen state boundary commissions and border management structures to improve coordination, conflict prevention and economic development.
He also encouraged participants to use the workshop to identify policy gaps, exchange experiences and develop practical recommendations to improve border security and accelerate development across Nigeria’s border communities.
Adaji expressed confidence that the outcome of the workshop would strengthen efforts to prevent boundary disputes, promote peaceful relations among neighbouring communities and enhance economic opportunities in border regions.
Earlier, Senator Binos Yaroe, chairman of the Senate Committee on States and Local Government Administration, said border communities remain vital to Nigeria’s security, trade and economic development despite challenges such as poor infrastructure, unemployment, inadequate social services and recurring communal conflicts.
“Effective border governance requires more than security agencies; it demands strong local institutions, community participation, and economic opportunities for border communities.”
He expressed optimism that the workshop would produce practical recommendations to strengthen governance, improve security and support sustainable development in Nigeria’s border areas.
The workshop is expected to generate policy recommendations for the National Assembly and relevant government institutions to improve border governance, enhance intergovernmental cooperation and advance economic growth in communities along Nigeria’s borders.
