Adamu Adaji, Director‑General of Nigeria’s National Boundary Commission (NBC), has reaffirmed that advancing border demarcation is vital to boosting cross‑border cooperation, reinforcing regional security and improving the livelihoods of border communities in West Africa.
In a statement released on Monday, the commission said Adaji’s remarks were delivered by Dr Farouk Tarfa, Head of Cross‑Border Cooperation, who represented him at a two‑day Cross‑Border Cooperation Programme held along the Nigeria‑Benin and Benin‑Togo borders on 14‑15 May 2026.
The event was hosted and coordinated by Dr Yousouf Adams, Director‑General of the National Boundary Commission of the Republic of Benin.
“Clearly delineated and properly demarcated borders are crucial to advancing cross‑border cooperation, community resilience, peace and security across the African continent,” Adaji emphasised.
He pointed out that most African borders inherited from colonial times were poorly defined upon independence. Nevertheless, African leaders have pledged to honour inherited boundary treaties, resolve border disputes through friendly consultation and advance regional integration.
Adaji also commended the joint efforts of the two national boundary commissions in delivering sound border governance and fostering peaceful coexistence among border communities.
“We call for continued support from the German International Cooperation (GIZ) to complete the demarcation of the Nigeria‑Benin international boundary. Finishing this demarcation process will facilitate closer cross‑border cooperation, expand livelihood opportunities for border residents and strengthen border security,” he noted.
Participants at the programme included Dr Yousouf Adams (Director‑General, Benin’s National Boundary Commission), Dr Tobias Thiel (Director, GIZ African Union Office), Mr Max Middeke (Head of GIZ’s Programme Supporting the African Union for Peace, Security and Governance in Africa), and Dr Bakary Sanou (Head of the GIZ‑African Union Border Programme).
Addressing the event, Dr Adams said West African border governance is undergoing profound transformation, driven by shared commitments to security, cooperation and regional integration.
He explained that the African Union Border Programme provides a continent‑wide framework to encourage member states to formalise border demarcation and turn border zones into hubs for cooperation and development.
During the programme, the delegation inspected boundary markers and multiple cross‑border socio‑economic projects. It also paid a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty Sir Isaac, Oba of Iwoye‑Ketou, seeking his sustained support for cross‑border cooperation to consolidate peaceful coexistence and good‑neighbourly relations among border communities.
The monarch praised the Nigeria and Benin NBCs, together with GIZ, for promoting peaceful ties and improving the well‑being of border dwellers.
“Involving border communities fosters a sense of belonging, curbs irregular migration and further bolsters border security,” the traditional ruler said.
In his speech, Dr Thiel thanked hosts for their hospitality and reaffirmed the GIZ‑African Union Border Programme’s commitment to upgrading border governance across Africa.
“Borders are dynamic and multi‑faceted and must be prioritised to advance peace, cooperation and sustainable development throughout the continent,” he stated.
Under the West African Cross‑Border Cooperation Initiative, Dr Farouk Tarfa, representative of the NBC Nigeria Director‑General, conducted a goodwill visit to the Benin‑Togo border, where Local Cross‑Border Cooperation Platforms were officially launched.
The launch of these platforms marks a practical step in transforming the Economic Community of West African States (
ECOWAS) “of States” into an ECOWAS “of People”, while advancing sustainable development, peaceful coexistence and cross‑border security across the sub‑region.
Earlier, local governments and communes of Nigeria and Benin signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Local Cross‑Border Cooperation. Both sides will fully operationalise the platforms to improve border communities’ livelihoods, enhance security and deepen West African regional integration.
