By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Abuja
The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu A. Adaji has stated that Nigeria is grappling with several border challenges with neighbouring countries.
He has stressed that effective border management demands sustained collaboration across all levels of government.
Adaji spoke at a One-Day High-Level National Workshop on Border Security, Resilience and Cross-Border Cooperation, organized by the National Boundary Commission at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, on Monday.
He said the workshop was convened in response to growing transnational threats, irregular migration, smuggling, and other emerging challenges affecting border communities.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s extensive land and coastal boundaries require coordinated efforts among border states, security agencies, and relevant institutions to ensure effective border governance.
He noted that Nigeria shares about 4,454 kilometres of land borders with Benin Republic, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, as well as an 853-kilometre coastline
Surv. Adaji also highlighted the Commission’s efforts in promoting local cross-border cooperation through community-based platforms designed to strengthen dialogue, build trust, facilitate lawful trade, and enhance security among communities with shared historical and cultural ties across Nigeria’s borders.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor of Cross River State and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Dr. Peter Odey called on the NBC to intensify efforts toward the prompt demarcation of boundaries in the state and across the country in order to prevent recurring conflicts and strengthen peaceful coexistence among neighboring states and along international corridors.
He described the gathering as timely and strategic, noting that effective border governance remains critical to Nigeria’s security, stability, and socio-economic development.
He observed that countries across the world were increasingly adopting collaborative approaches to managing border-related challenges, strengthening security architecture, promoting peaceful coexistence, and fostering sustainable development in border communities.
He further noted that his State continues to experience lingering boundary issues with neighbouring states and along its international corridor, stressing that these unresolved disputes pose challenges to peace, security, and development in affected communities.
He emphasized the need for urgent and coordinated action to properly define and demarcate boundaries in order to prevent recurring tensions.
“As a border state, Cross River appreciates the strategic importance of effective border governance and cross-border collaboration,” Odey stated, adding that the administration of Bassey Otu remains committed to promoting peace, security, and inclusive development, particularly in communities located along the state’s international boundaries.
He drew the attention of the NBC to lingering boundary disputes involving Cross River State and neighboring states, including Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Benue, and Abia, as well as recent boundary-related tensions, including the reported invasion by Cameroonian soldiers in Danare, Boki Local Government Area, and unresolved matters surrounding the Bakassi Peninsula.
He urged the Commission to rise to its statutory responsibility by ensuring proper and timely boundary demarcation across affected areas.
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, (Rtd.), represented by his Special Adviser to the Minister, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole (rtd), described the event as timely and strategic, emphasizing that Nigeria’s borders serve as vital centres of economic exchange, cultural integration, and national security.
He called for innovative approaches to border governance, including the deployment of drone technology, improved early warning systems, and stronger cross-border cooperation.
The Minister noted that resilient borders are not only secure but also adaptive and inclusive, stressing that sustained investment, policy coordination, and political will are essential to strengthening Nigeria’s border security architecture and promoting sustainable development in border communities.
The workshop featured goodwill messages from deputy governors representing the twenty-one border states of Nigeria, including those of Benue, Zamfara, Bayelsa, Jigawa, Delta, Kebbi, Borno, and Rivers States, alongside traditional rulers and experts.
There were paper presentations on cross-border cooperation, maritime governance, drone technology, intelligence-driven security, early warning systems, and peace-building.
