The Director-General of National Boundary Commission of Nigeria, Surveyor Adamu A. Adaji, has called on African countries to imbibe the spirit of negotiations during border demarcation, adding that the process must also take into cognisance the interests of local communities.
Mr Adaji made the call at the end of 2026 border forum, held in Abijan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The DG said “There is need for negotiation in the demarcation of borders in the spirit of African brotherhood and taking into consideration the interest of the local communities”.
He recommended the Nigeria-Cameroon border dispute resolution model, describing it as a success.
“I’m recommending the model because it moved from tension and litigation to diplomatic roundtable, paving the way for effective cross-border cooperation between the two countries.” The DG said.
The Director-General expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Côte d’Ivoire, the African Union and other development partners for supporting the successful hosting of the 2026 Abidjan Border Forum.
Key resolutions from the Forum include the need for ratification of the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation and the institutionalisation of Local Cross-Border Cooperation to enable local authorities and border communities to identify emerging threats, share information, address local tensions and support early warning and early response mechanisms.
According to a statement issued by Chinwe Udouwem, Head, Information, Press & Public Relations, NBC, the Forum underscored that cross-border cultural exchanges, community dialogue and joint initiatives can strengthen mutual trust and reduce security challenges.
The statement said Nigeria through the National Boundary Commission, ratified the AU Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation in 2023, which facilitated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Republic of Benin on Local Cross-Border Cooperation on 18th August, 2025.
The statement disclosed that the MoU provides a framework for collaboration between Nigeria and Benin border Communes, including traditional rulers and other local stakeholders.
“Both countries are now working towards the operationalisation of the MoU to move it beyond a diplomatic commitment to a functioning mechanism that delivers tangible benefits to border communities and safeguards Nigeria’s national security.” The statement added.
