Abuja:The National Boundary Commission (NBC) is actively pursuing increased funding and collaboration from stakeholders to finalize the demarcation of Nigeria’s international borders, aiming to enhance peaceful coexistence with neighboring countries.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Director-General of NBC, Adamu Adaji, emphasized the need for additional resources to properly demarcate existing boundaries and install more boundary pillars. This effort would make the borders more visible and help communities clearly identify territorial divisions between Nigeria and its neighbors.
Adaji highlighted that the commission encourages Nigerians to view boundaries not as barriers, but as opportunities for cooperation. He noted that boundary demarcation is a capital-intensive process essential for security, peaceful coexistence, and development.
In terms of cross-border collaboration, Nigeria has established partnerships with Benin, Niger, Cameroon, and other neighboring countries to facilitate trade and movement. Routes like the Kasikano-Kano corridor with Niger and pathways linking communities with Cameroon are examples of these initiatives. Adaji also mentioned ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation along the Nigeria-Benin boundary, bringing communities together for discussions.
Further, the NBC is developing local bilateral platforms to enable states and local governments to collaborate across international borders. These platforms aim to support trade, security, information gathering, and intelligence sharing, contributing to regional development and addressing security challenges.
As the general elections approach, Adaji urged Nigerians, especially those in border communities, to vote peacefully and prioritize national unity. He stressed that strong cultural and historical ties should not be disrupted by political differences. Adaji concluded by advocating for peace and unity, warning that violence and destruction hinder development and impede the nation’s progress.