The Federal Government has reiterated the need for stronger collaboration among federal agencies, border states, traditional institutions and neighboring countries to improve border security and address cross-border threats.
The call was made during a one-day national workshop on “Border Security, Resilience and Cross-Border Cooperation” organized by the National Boundary Commission in Abuja.
Representing the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, the minister’s special adviser, retired Rear Adm. Olusanya Bankole, said effective border management remains critical to national security and economic development.
Bankole said Nigeria’s borders serve as vital channels for trade, interaction and shared heritage but remain vulnerable to transnational crimes, irregular migration, smuggling and other security challenges.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond traditional security approaches by adopting proactive measures such as early warning systems, technology-driven surveillance and enhanced intelligence-sharing with neighboring countries.
“Resilient borders are not only secured, but they are adaptive, inclusive and capable of withstanding security threats, climate change and economic disruptions,” he said.
Earlier, National Boundary Commission Director-General Adamu Adaji said border management requires coordinated action among multiple stakeholders. He noted that Nigeria shares about 4,454 kilometers (2,768 miles) of land borders with Benin, Niger, Chad and Cameroon, as well as an approximately 853-kilometer (530-mile) coastline.
Adaji said the commission has established cross-border cooperation platforms involving border communities, traditional rulers, local authorities, security agencies and civil society organizations to support dialogue, information gathering and conflict prevention.
The workshop featured presentations on cross-border cooperation, maritime governance, the blue economy, drone technology, border resilience and peacebuilding initiatives aimed at strengthening national security.
National Defence College Commandant Rear Adm. Abdullahi Ahmed called for greater cooperation among countries, noting that border-related challenges cannot be effectively managed in isolation.
Deputy governors and chairmen of state boundary committees from Nigeria’s border states commended the National Boundary Commission’s advocacy efforts and pledged support for initiatives aimed at improving border security and tackling transboundary crimes.
Traditional rulers from communities along Nigeria’s international borders urged the government to deepen engagement with traditional institutions, describing them as the “first eyes and ears” of border communities and calling for their inclusion in security coordination efforts.
The workshop concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening border security, improving resilience and promoting economic activities in border communities.
