The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of outstanding boundary issues with the Republic of Benin, emphasising the need to combine boundary demarcation with effective cross-border cooperation for the security and development of borde communities.
Director-General of the Commission, Surveyor Adamu A. Adaji, stated this while delivering his welcome address at the opening ceremony of the meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on the Nigeria–Benin International Boundary, holding in Lagos from 28 to 30 October 2026.
Adaji described the meeting as an important step towards strengthening the bonds of friendship, cooperation and peaceful coexistence between the two countries. He noted that Nigeria and Benin share approximately 770 kilometres of land boundary traversing six Nigerian states, with communities on both sides maintaining longstanding social, cultural and economic relationships.
“The management and resolution of boundary issues must be guided by applicable legal instruments, available evidence and technical procedures, while also taking into account the legitimate interests of border communities”, Adaji stressed.
He called for adequate sensitization and engagement of affected communities as the demarcation process progresses.
The Director-General recalled that the current meeting builds on deliberations at previous meetings held in Abuja in 2022 and Cotonou in 2024. He also highlighted the recommendations arising from the meeting of the Joint Technical Team held in Kétou, Republic of Benin, from 2 to 8 June 2026, following field completion exercises conducted by both countries along the Illo–Borgu.
While acknowledging the importance of completing boundary demarcation, Adaji emphasised that effective border governance requires sustained cooperation among institutions and communities living along the boundary.
He particularly called for the effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Local Cross-Border Cooperation, following undertakings signed by the Chairmen of border local governments in Nigeria and their counterparts in the communes of the Republic of Benin.
According to him, “translating the agreement into practical action through regular consultations, joint action plans and community-based initiatives would strengthen border security, promote cultural integration, facilitate legitimate cross-border trade and enhance socio-economic development”
The Director-General also expressed appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Benin for its continued commitment to bilateral boundary mechanisms and acknowledged the support of the German Government through the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in promoting peaceful boundary management and cross-border cooperation.
He reaffirmed the National Boundary Commission’s commitment to working closely with its Beninese counterpart to resolve outstanding issues and advance the demarcation process, urging both delegations to engage constructively and agree on practical, time-bound measures that would benefit the two countries and their border communities.
In his remarks, the Director General, Benin Agency for Integrated Management of Border Spaces Adam Youssoufou, head of the Benin delegation, expressed profound appreciation to the Government and people of Nigeria for their hospitality and commended the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) for their support and assistance towards the resolution of the boundary issues and facilitation of cross border cooperation between the two countries.
Youssoufou noted that non-clear demarcation of the boundary has posed challenges to security, economic development, and cooperation along international boundaries.
While urging both delegations to work in cooperation to ensure the final demarcation, he expressed confidence that participants, would at the end of the meeting, report positive outcomes and move forward with a clear understanding, renewed commitment and a shared sense of purpose.
Speaking also, the Hon. Minister of State Foreign Affairs, H.E Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye , represented by the AG Director, West Africa Division Affairs, Mrs Temidayo Balogun said,”the objective before us, is not merely the delineation of a geographical line, but the consolidation of a peaceful, predictable and mutually beneficial relationship between two neighboring states”.
“Our success should not be measured only by progress in the technical definition of boundary but also by the confidence it inspires, the cooperation it facilitates and the benefits it delivers to our respective people”
The meeting of the Joint Standing Committee provides a platform for both countries to review outstanding boundary matters, consider technical recommendations and strengthen bilateral cooperation towards peaceful and effective management of their shared international boundary.
Chinwe Udouwem
Head, Information, Press and Public Relations
chinwe.udouwem@boundaycommission.org.
October 29, 2026.
