By Tony Christian
Nigeria and seven ECOWAS countries converged in The Gambia to “discuss strategies for accelerating boundary operations, strengthening border security, and promoting cross-border cooperation and development”, a statement of the Nigeria’s Boundary agency has said.
According to the statement signed by the agency’s Head, Information, Press and Public Relations, Chinwe Udouwem, on Thursday, in Abuja, the meeting, held from October 6 to 8, 2026, brought together representatives from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone, alongside the ECOWAS Commission and technical and financial partners, including the German Development Agency (GIZ), to come up with practical boarder management system.
The statement said, Nigeria was represented by the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surv. Adamu Audu Adaji, adding that the meeting formed part of the annual consultation mechanism established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 2024.
At the meeting, emphasis were focused on “the need to accelerate boundary delimitation, demarcation, and reaffirmation through stronger political commitment, improved technical collaboration, and sustained dialogue between neighbouring countries.” the statement said.
“Participants highlighted the importance of involving national governments, boundary commissions, local authorities, and technical teams in resolving challenges that impede boundary operations.
”They also stressed the need for bilateral agreements to clearly define the objectives, stages, and technical requirements of boundary operations. .
“The use of compatible equipment, engagement of experienced resource persons, and maintenance of open communication channels were identified as crucial measures for overcoming operational difficulties and promoting the peaceful resolution of boundary disputes.” the statement further stated.
The meeting underscored strategic relationship, effective border governance, national security, and community development. They highlighted the importance to strengthen cooperation aimed at addressing “security threats, prevent crises, and preserve the social, cultural, and economic ties among communities living along international boundaries.”
They also called for greater involvement of local authorities and border communities in consultation and decision-making processes, noting that community engagement helps prevent misunderstandings, facilitates dispute resolution, and promotes peaceful coexistence.
According to them, there was also the need to integrate security, local development, trade, and free movement into border governance strategies, while calling for the establishment of a cross-border cooperation fund, to be jointly funded by neighbouring countries.
Another major outcome at the meeting was the identification of five bilateral partnerships for coordinated activities between:
The Gambia – Senegal, Benin -Nigeria,
Côte d’Ivoire – Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire – Liberia
Liberia – Sierra Leon, the statement said.
Proposed areas of cooperation include land and maritime boundary operations, cross-border initiatives, security, economic development and regional integration.
According to statement, the Nigeria – Benin partnership includes a planning horizon spanning 2026 – 2029, providing a framework for continued cooperation on shared boundary priorities.
Participants also reviewed progress towards the entry into force of the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation (the Niamey Convention). The report noted that The Gambia’s recent ratification brought the total number of ratifying African states to 14, out of the 15 required for the Convention to enter into force.
Countries yet to complete their ratification processes were encouraged to expedite procedures to strengthen the continental framework for cross-border cooperation.
The meeting’s final recommendations included strengthening coordination among national and regional border institutions, operationalising local cross-border cooperation, promoting inclusive community participation, mobilising sustainable domestic resources, and improving technical cooperation.
Follow-up priorities identified include gathering evidence of project implementation, verifying security constraints before monitoring missions, clarifying institutional responsibilities, and securing sustainable financing.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of regional collaboration in addressing boundary challenges and promoting peaceful coexistence, security, economic development, and regional integration.
For Nigeria, participation in this regional platform provides a valuable opportunity for continued engagement with neighbouring countries and regional bodies.
The outcomes further underscored the strategic role of the National Boundary Commission in advancing effective border governance and national security across Nigeria’s border areas.
