Nigeria and seven other West African countries are seeking stronger cross-border cooperation to tackle security threats, resolve boundary disputes and promote economic development in communities along their shared borders.
The commitment was made at the Third Meeting of Heads of National Boundary Commissions, held in Banjul, The Gambia, from October 6 to 8, 2026.
The meeting brought together representatives from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone, alongside the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and development partners, including the German Development Agency (GIZ).
Nigeria was represented by the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Surveyor Adamu Audu Adaji.
Participants emphasised the need for stronger regional collaboration to address security challenges, prevent boundary disputes and preserve the social, cultural and economic ties among communities living along international borders.
They also stressed that effective border governance must go beyond security to incorporate local development, trade and the free movement of people.
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the identification of five bilateral partnerships to coordinate boundary operations and cross-border development initiatives.
The partnerships involve The Gambia and Senegal; Benin and Nigeria; Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana; Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia; and Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The proposed areas of cooperation include land and maritime boundary operations, security, economic development and regional integration.
The Nigeria–Benin partnership has a planning horizon covering 2026 to 2029, providing a framework for sustained cooperation on shared boundary priorities.
Participants also proposed further consideration of a cross-border cooperation fund to support joint initiatives by neighbouring countries, subject to applicable financial regulations.
Call for Faster Boundary Operations
The meeting highlighted the need to accelerate boundary delimitation, demarcation and reaffirmation through stronger political commitment, technical collaboration and sustained dialogue between neighbouring countries.
Participants called for closer coordination among national governments, boundary commissions, local authorities and technical teams to address challenges affecting boundary operations.
They also recommended bilateral agreements that clearly define the objectives, stages and technical requirements of boundary projects.
The use of compatible equipment, engagement of experienced technical personnel and maintenance of open communication channels were identified as important measures for overcoming operational difficulties and resolving disputes peacefully.
Participants further called for greater involvement of border communities in consultations and decision-making, noting that local participation can help prevent misunderstandings, facilitate dispute resolution and promote peaceful coexistence.
The meeting also reviewed progress towards the entry into force of the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation, known as the Niamey Convention.
According to the meeting report, The Gambia’s recent ratification brought the number of African countries that had ratified the convention to 14, one short of the 15 required for it to enter into force.
Countries yet to complete their ratification processes were encouraged to expedite the necessary procedures to strengthen the continental framework for cross-border cooperation.
Countries Seek Sustainable Funding
In its final recommendations, the meeting called for stronger coordination among national and regional border institutions, improved technical cooperation, sustainable domestic funding and more inclusive community participation.
Other priorities include documenting evidence of project implementation, verifying security conditions before monitoring missions and clarifying institutional responsibilities to improve the implementation of cross-border initiatives.
The annual consultation mechanism, established by ECOWAS in 2024, provides a platform for participating countries to review progress, exchange experiences and coordinate responses to common boundary challenges.
For Nigeria, the outcomes provide an opportunity to deepen cooperation with neighbouring countries, particularly Benin, while strengthening border security and promoting development in border communities.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of regional collaboration in building safer borders, preventing conflicts and advancing economic development across West Africa.