FG Calls for Stronger Regional Cooperation to Turn Borders into Hubs of Peace and Growth

The Federal Government has urged African nations to deepen regional collaboration in order to transform the continent’s borders from longstanding flashpoints of conflict into avenues for peace, economic growth, and integration.

The call was made on Monday in Abuja during the 2025 African Border Day commemoration, which highlighted this year’s theme: “Building Border Community Resilience and Economic Development through Cross-Border Cooperation.”

Delivering the keynote address, Director General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Adamu Adaji, emphasised the need for African countries to view borders not as dividing lines but as opportunities to foster mutual progress.

“We must step up efforts in effective border governance to turn our borders into bridges of unity, peace and prosperity. This can only be achieved through joint actions,” Adaji said.

He noted that the notion of colonial borders as mere barriers of separation was giving way to new thinking that embraces them as platforms for collaboration.

“This positive shift means disputes and conflicts are being replaced with initiatives that promote cooperation and integration,” he added.

Adaji cited Nigeria’s ratification of the African Union’s Niamey Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation as a demonstration of its commitment, and encouraged other AU member states to do the same to make the framework fully operational.

He also spotlighted Nigeria’s continuing work in demarcating boundaries, preventing disputes, and involving local communities to strengthen ties across borders.

“We work closely with border communities, local authorities and traditional institutions. They are essential in building resilience, fostering social cohesion and securing our frontiers, which ultimately impacts the country’s economic and security landscape,” he said.

Adaji revealed that the NBC had organised several workshops with neighbouring countries aimed at reducing tensions and building trust.

Looking ahead, he proposed that future African Border Day observances be tailored to include joint projects and programmes that directly benefit border communities.

“It should be a reminder of the challenges that exist along our international boundaries and the need for concerted interventions to address them,” he said.

African Border Day, established by the African Union in 2010, is celebrated annually to raise awareness of the critical role borders play in promoting peace and development across the continent.