Business Briefings
Nigeria, Benin Deepen Border Security, Trade Cooperation
Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cross-border security, economic cooperation, and regional integration through enhanced border governance and demarcation initiatives across West Africa.
The renewed commitment was highlighted during a two-day Cross Border Cooperation Programme held along the Nigeria-Benin and Benin-Togo borders on May 14 and 15, 2026, bringing together officials from both countries, representatives of the African Union, and development partners under the German International Cooperation framework.
Director-General of Nigeria’s National Boundary Commission, Adamu Adaji, represented by the Head of Cross Border Cooperation, Dr. Farouk Tarfa, stressed the importance of properly defined international boundaries in sustaining peace, improving trade, and promoting socio-economic development among border communities.
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According to Adaji, clearly demarcated borders remain fundamental to fostering cooperation and strengthening security architecture within the sub-region.
“Clearly defined and properly demarcated borders remain critical to enhancing cross-border cooperation, community resilience, peace, and security across the African continent,” he stated.
He noted that many African countries inherited poorly defined colonial borders at independence, creating disputes and governance challenges that continue to affect development and integration efforts across the continent.
Despite these challenges, he said African leaders had consistently demonstrated commitment to respecting inherited treaties while pursuing peaceful resolutions to territorial disagreements and promoting regional integration.
Adaji commended the collaborative efforts of the Nigerian and Beninese National Boundary Commissions in encouraging peaceful coexistence among border communities and improving governance around shared borders.
He also called for sustained support from development partners toward completing the demarcation of the Nigeria-Benin international boundary.
“We seek the continued support and intervention of the German International Cooperation towards the completion of the demarcation of the Nigeria–Benin International Boundary. The successful completion of the demarcation process will pave the way for improved cross-border cooperation, enhanced livelihood opportunities for borderland communities, and strengthened border security,” he added.
The programme was hosted by the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission of the Republic of Benin, Yousouf Adams, who described border governance in West Africa as a rapidly evolving framework driven by collective regional commitments to peace, security, and integration.
According to Adams, the African Union Border Programme has become an important continental framework aimed at encouraging African countries to properly define borders while transforming border areas into centres of cooperation and development rather than conflict zones.
“Border governance in West Africa is currently undergoing significant transformation driven by collective commitments towards security, cooperation, and regional integration,” he said.
Representatives of the German International Cooperation and the African Union Border Programme also reiterated their support for improving border management systems across Africa.
Director of German International Cooperation at the African Union, Tobias Thiel, said African borders should be treated as strategic assets capable of driving peace, sustainable development, and economic cooperation.
“Borders are dynamic and multi-dimensional and should therefore be accorded utmost priority in order to promote peace, cooperation, and sustainable development across the continent,” he stated.
Other participants at the event included Head of GIZ Programme Support to the African Union for Promoting Peace, Security and Governance in Africa, Mr. Max Middeke, and Head of GIZ-African Union Border Programme, Dr. Bakary Sanou.
As part of the programme activities, delegates visited several border pillars and inspected socio-economic projects located within border communities. The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Iwoye-Ketou, His Royal Majesty Sir Isaac, where discussions centred on sustaining peaceful coexistence and strengthening local cooperation among communities living around the borders.
The traditional ruler praised the efforts of the Nigerian and Beninese boundary commissions as well as German development partners in improving the welfare of residents within border communities.
“Engaging border communities gives them a sense of belonging, reduces irregular migration and further enhances security within the border areas,” the monarch said.
Officials also undertook a solidarity visit to the Benin-Togo border under the framework of the West African Cross Border Cooperation initiative, where Local Cross Border Cooperation Platforms were inaugurated to deepen grassroots integration and collaboration.
The operationalisation of the platforms is expected to improve local participation in cross-border governance, facilitate economic activities, strengthen security coordination, and advance the regional integration agenda of the Economic Community of West African States.
Officials explained that the initiative aligns with efforts to move from what they described as an “ECOWAS of States” to an “ECOWAS of People,” with stronger emphasis on people-centred integration and sustainable development.
The development follows an earlier Memorandum of Understanding signed by local governments and communes from Nigeria and Benin on Local Cross-Border Cooperation aimed at improving livelihoods, enhancing trade opportunities, and boosting security coordination within border regions.
Stakeholders at the programme maintained that stronger collaboration among border authorities, local communities, and development partners would remain essential to addressing transnational crimes, irregular migration, and economic challenges affecting the sub-region while supporting long-term peace and prosperity across West Africa.
