Nigeria and seven other West African nations have agreed to strengthen border security, accelerate boundary demarcation and enhance cross-border cooperation as part of efforts to promote regional integration and economic development.
The resolution was reached during the Third Meeting of Heads of National Boundary Commissions held in Banjul, The Gambia, from October 6 to 8, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Nigeria was represented by the Director-General of the commission, Adamu Adaji, alongside delegates from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Senegal and Sierra Leone.
The meeting reviewed progress made on recommendations from the second meeting held in Cotonou, Benin Republic, in August 2025 under the ECOWAS annual consultation mechanism established in 2024.
Participants called for stronger political commitment, enhanced technical collaboration and sustained dialogue among neighbouring states to accelerate boundary delimitation, demarcation and reaffirmation efforts.
They also advocated bilateral agreements clearly outlining operational objectives, implementation stages and technical requirements, while encouraging the use of compatible equipment, experienced personnel and effective communication channels to minimise disputes.
The meeting identified five bilateral partnerships for coordinated border activities involving The Gambia and Senegal; Benin and Nigeria; Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana; Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia; as well as Liberia and Sierra Leone.
For Nigeria and Benin, a proposed cooperation framework covering 2026 to 2029 is expected to guide joint activities on border management and regional development priorities.
Participants stressed the importance of integrating security, trade, local development and free movement into border governance strategies while encouraging greater involvement of border communities and local authorities in decision-making processes.
They also proposed the establishment of a cross-border cooperation fund and joint funding mechanisms to support regional initiatives.
The meeting further reviewed progress toward the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation, known as the Niamey Convention, noting that The Gambia’s ratification has brought the number of signatories to 14, just one short of the 15 required for the convention to enter into force.
The NBC said the session reaffirmed the importance of regional collaboration in tackling boundary challenges, promoting peaceful coexistence and boosting economic development across West Africa.
