Abuja: The Federal Government and the Republic of Niger have reached an agreement on boundary re-demarcation, security coordination, and enhanced cross-border engagement.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Efe Ovuakporie, Head of Information and Public Relations Unit at the National Boundary Commission (NBC), disclosed that the agreement was the result of a high-level session of the Joint Standing Committee of Experts (JSC) in Zinder, Niger.
Ovuakporie mentioned that the three-day meeting, held from December 8 to December 10, brought together senior officials, technical experts, and field operatives under the Nigeria/Niger Joint Commission (NNJC) to review the progress on ongoing boundary re-demarcation and to adopt a new program of activities for the 2025/2026 cycle. The major outcome of the meeting was the formal adoption of the technical report on boundary re-demarcation activities undertaken since the last JSC session in Abuja in 2023.
She highlighted that 60 intermediate pillars were constructed between main pillars 79-80 and 80-81 in the Kongolam axis of Katsina State, while 40 intermediate pillars were constructed between pillars 108-109 and 109-110. Additionally, 17 intermediate pillars were re-evaluated between pillars 125-126 along the Maigatari/Machina corridor.
Ovuakporie added that the JSC acknowledged some critical activities remained outstanding due to funding and security constraints. These activities include joint inspection missions in the Dosso/Katsina sector, re-evaluation of main pillars 1-4 in Gaya, and the construction of 45 intermediate pillars in Kangiwa, Kebbi State. The two countries agreed to prioritize these tasks in the new 2026 Work Plan.
She also noted that the delegation considered strengthening cross-border cooperation in line with the African Union’s Niamey Convention and the Integrated Border Governance Strategy. Delegates reviewed existing cooperation corridors, assessing challenges such as weak infrastructure, security gaps, socio-economic disruptions, and unregulated spaces.
The experts adopted new proposals to revive cultural and socio-economic ties between border communities, enhance joint-use of infrastructure, strengthen local governance collaboration, and expand security coordination across shared border zones. Recommendations included local cross-border workshops, joint socio-cultural and sporting activities, improved borderland infrastructure, and enhanced security presence.
NBC Director-General Mr. Adamu Adaji commended the experts for their diligence and expressed satisfaction with the quality of engagements. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful relations and deeper cooperation with Niger, adding that the Zinder resolutions will enhance boundary stability and stimulate socio-economic development across the borderlands.
Mr. Boubacar Amadou, Head of the Niger delegation, described the deliberations as sincere and productive, emphasizing the need for greater financial support to accelerate outstanding demarcation tasks. Amb. Musa Mamman, Secretary-General of the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission, acknowledged the technical depth of the discussions and announced plans for a Cross-Border Security Meeting in early 2026 to address emerging threats along the frontier.