The Federal Government has requested support from German International Cooperation to complete the demarcation of the Nigeria-Benin international boundary as part of efforts to strengthen regional security.
The Director-General, National Boundary Commission (NBC), Adamu Adaji, made the request during a two-day cross-border cooperation programme along the Nigeria-Benin and Benin-Togo borders.
A statement on the event, hosted by the National Boundary Commission of the Republic of Benin, was made available on Monday in Abuja by Chinwe Udouwem, head of information, press and public relations, NBC.
Mr Adaji, who was represented by Dr Farouk Tarfa, NBC head of cross-border cooperation, said the successful completion of the demarcation process would pave the way for improved cross-border cooperation.
He added that the demarcation completion process would enhance livelihood opportunities for borderland communities and strengthen border security.
The NBC boss reiterated the importance of enhanced border demarcation in promoting cross-border cooperation, strengthening regional security and improving the livelihood of border communities across West Africa.
“Clearly defined and properly demarcated borders remain critical to enhancing cross-border cooperation, community resilience, peace and security across the African continent.
“Most African borders inherited from the colonial era were largely ambiguous at independence.
“They were, nevertheless, resolved to respect the inherited treaties while working amicably towards resolving areas of disputes and strengthening regional integration,’’ he said.
Mr Adaji commended the efforts of the two National Boundary Commissions in promoting good border governance and peaceful coexistence among border communities.
On his part, Dr Yousouf Adams, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission of the Republic of Benin, said border governance in West Africa is currently undergoing significant transformation driven by collective commitments towards security, cooperation and regional integration.
Mr Adams, the host and coordinator of the event, explained that the African Union Border Programme (AUBP) serves as a continental framework aimed at encouraging member States to properly define their borders and transform border areas into spaces of cooperation and development.
In his remarks, the Director of German International Cooperation at the African Union, Dr Tobias Thiel, appreciated the warm reception accorded to him.
Thiel reaffirmed the commitment of the GIZ-African Union Border Programme towards improving border governance across Africa.
“Borders are dynamic and multi-dimensional and should therefore be accorded utmost priority to promote peace, cooperation and sustainable development across the continent,” he said.
According to the statement, the members of the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Iwoye-Ketou, His Royal Majesty Sir Isaac, where they solicited continued support for sustained cross-border cooperation and peaceful coexistence among border communities.
The monarch commended the efforts of the National Boundary Commissions of Nigeria and Benin, as well as the GIZ, in promoting peaceful relations and improving the livelihood of border dwellers.
“Engaging border communities gives them a sense of belonging, reduces irregular migration and further enhances security within the border areas,” the traditional ruler stated.
The delegation also visited border pillars and inspected several cross-border socio-economic projects.
The programme was attended by Mr Max Middeke, the head of GIZ Programme Support to the African Union for Promoting Peace, Security and Governance in Africa, and Dr Bakary Sanou, the head of GIZ-African Union Border Programme.