Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji Ojo has called for border communities to be treated as active partners in Nigeria’s security strategy rather than simply populations to be protected.
He made the call at the African Borderlands Research Network conference in Lagos.
Represented by senior policy adviser Kareem Olajoku, the minister said communities living close to international boundaries were often the first to experience irregular migration, insecurity and cross border crime.
He argued that their participation could strengthen early warning systems, conflict prevention and border management.
The four day conference, jointly hosted by Lagos State University and ABORNE, focused on connected borderlands, regional integration, security and evidence based policy.
Tunji Ojo said Nigeria’s changing migration and security environment required stronger collaboration among government, universities, security agencies, regional institutions and development partners.
He said research needed to go beyond explaining past events and help governments anticipate future risks.
The minister highlighted reforms involving biometric identity systems, passport administration, automated border control and technology based security tools.
He said the objective was to protect national security without undermining legitimate travel, trade and regional mobility.
Tunji Ojo also described Lagos as an appropriate location for the conference because the state connects Nigeria to international movement through roads, seaports and airports.
He said border management should recognize the relationship between security, commerce, migration and community interaction.
LASU Vice Chancellor Ibiyemi Olatunji Bello said African borders were more than geographical lines.
She described them as spaces shaped by communities, livelihoods, identity and movement.
The vice chancellor urged universities and researchers to ensure that academic work translated into practical policy capable of improving both security and the welfare of border communities.
