Banjul: Nigeria, 7 ECOWAS countries strengthen border cooperation

Nigeria and seven other West African countries have moved to strengthen border cooperation and governance at the Third Meeting of Heads of National Boundary Commissions held in Banjul, Gambia.

In statement signed on Saturday by the Head, Information, Press and Public Relations (NBC) Chinwe Udouwem, said the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) Surv. Adamu Audu Adaji, represented Nigeria in the meeting, which held from October 6 to 8, 2026.

It said the meeting brought together boundary commissions from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone, alongside the ECOWAS Commission and partners including the German Development Agency, GIZ.

According to the statement, the annual consultation mechanism, established by ECOWAS in 2024, reviewed implementation of recommendations from the second meeting held in Cotonou, Benin, in August 2025, shared national experiences and set priorities for regional border governance.

It further stated that deliberations focused on accelerating boundary delimitation, demarcation and reaffirmation through stronger political commitment, improved technical collaboration and sustained dialogue between neighbouring states.

Participants stressed the need for involvement of national governments, boundary commissions, local authorities and technical teams in resolving challenges impeding boundary operations, and called for bilateral agreements to clearly define objectives, stages and technical requirements.

“They identified the use of compatible equipment, engagement of experienced resource persons and maintenance of open communication channels as crucial to overcoming operational difficulties and promoting peaceful resolution of disputes,” it said.

The meeting also underscored the link between effective border governance, national security and community development, stressing cooperation to address security threats, prevent crises and preserve social, cultural and economic ties among border communities.

“Participants called for greater involvement of local authorities and border communities in consultation and decision-making, noting that community engagement helps prevent misunderstandings, facilitates dispute resolution and promotes peaceful coexistence,” it said.

They also emphasised integrating security, local development, trade and free movement into border governance strategies.

During the meeting, the establishment of a cross-border cooperation fund and joint funding requests by neighbouring countries were proposed for further examination, subject to financial regulations.

A major outcome was the identification of five bilateral partnerships for coordinated activities: The Gambia-Senegal, Benin-Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia, and Liberia-Sierra Leone.

“Proposed areas of cooperation include land and maritime boundary operations, cross-border initiatives, security, economic development and regional integration,” it said.