Nigeria and seven other West African countries have agreed to strengthen border security, accelerate boundary demarcation and promote cross-border cooperation as part of efforts to enhance regional integration and economic development.
The agreement was reached at the Third Meeting of Heads of National Boundary Commissions, held in Banjul, The Gambia, from October 6 to 8, 2026.
The meeting brought together representatives of Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone, alongside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and development partners, including the German Development Agency (GIZ).
Nigeria was represented by the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Surveyor Adamu Audu Adaji.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the commission said the meeting reviewed progress on recommendations from the second meeting, held in Cotonou, Benin, in August 2025, and identified priorities for improving regional border governance.
Participants called for stronger political commitment, technical collaboration and sustained dialogue among neighbouring countries to accelerate boundary delimitation, demarcation and reaffirmation.
They also emphasised the need for bilateral agreements outlining the objectives, stages and technical requirements of boundary operations, alongside the use of compatible equipment and improved communication to resolve operational challenges and prevent disputes.
The meeting further highlighted the link between effective border governance, national security and community development, stressing the need for countries to work together to address security threats, prevent crises and preserve the social, cultural and economic ties among border communities.
It called for greater participation by local authorities and border residents in consultation and decision-making, noting that community involvement could help resolve disputes, prevent misunderstandings and promote peaceful coexistence.
Participants also advocated integrating security, local development, trade and the free movement of people into border management strategies.
The establishment of a cross-border cooperation fund and the submission of joint funding requests by neighbouring countries were proposed for further consideration, subject to applicable financial regulations.
As part of the meeting’s outcomes, five bilateral partnerships were identified for coordinated activities: The Gambia-Senegal, Benin-Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia and Liberia-Sierra Leone.
The proposed partnerships will focus on land and maritime boundary operations, cross-border initiatives, security, economic development and regional integration.
The Nigeria-Benin partnership has a planning horizon covering 2026 to 2029, providing a framework for continued cooperation on shared boundary priorities.
The meeting also reviewed progress towards the entry into force of the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation, known as the Niamey Convention.
According to the report presented at the meeting, The Gambia’s recent ratification brought the number of ratifying African countries to 14, one short of the 15 required for the convention to enter into force. Countries yet to complete their ratification processes were urged to expedite action.
Other recommendations included strengthening coordination among national and regional border institutions, improving technical cooperation, mobilising sustainable domestic funding and promoting inclusive community participation in cross-border initiatives.
Participants also identified follow-up priorities, including documenting evidence of project implementation, verifying security conditions before monitoring missions and clarifying institutional responsibilities.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of regional collaboration in addressing boundary challenges and advancing peace, security, economic development and integration across West Africa.
For Nigeria, the commission said participation in the regional platform provides an opportunity to deepen engagement with neighbouring countries and regional institutions while strengthening border governance and national security.
