ABUJA , NIGERIA – The Federal Government has reiterated the need for enhanced regional cooperation to transform Africa’s borders from conflict zones into catalysts for peace, economic development, and continental integration.
This call was made during the 2025 African Border Day celebration, held on Monday in Abuja, where the Director General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Surveyor Adamu Adaji, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the significance of effective border governance.
Adaji noted that Africa must shift from viewing international borders as divisive lines to recognizing them as avenues for unity and shared progress. Quoting the proverb “good fences make good neighbours,” he said African countries must adopt collaborative strategies to foster sustainable peace and development in border regions.
“We must intensify efforts towards transforming our borders into bridges of unity, peace, and prosperity. This transformation requires collective action and cooperation,” Adaji stated.
The 2025 celebration, themed “Building Border Community Resilience and Economic Development through Cross-Border Cooperation,” aligns with the African Union’s broader focus on justice, reparations, and integration for Africans and people of African descent.
Highlighting historical challenges, Adaji observed that colonial-era borders once served as flashpoints for conflict but are increasingly becoming zones of cooperation and integration—a trend he described as both encouraging and necessary.
He said the Commission continues to promote peaceful boundary demarcation, dispute prevention, and the inclusive involvement of border communities in governance. “Our cross-border initiatives are designed to ensure equitable use of shared resources and include active participation of local border populations,” he added.
Adaji also pointed out Nigeria’s ratification of the AU’s Niamey Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation, a framework aimed at fostering regional peace and sustainable development. He urged other African Union member states to adopt the treaty to enable its full implementation.
“In redefining Nigeria’s border strategy, we engage local communities, traditional authorities, and relevant stakeholders. Their involvement is critical in enhancing resilience, social cohesion, and securing our borders,” he said.
The NBC, according to Adaji, has organized several cross-border workshops with neighboring countries to strengthen mutual trust and reduce tensions. He proposed that future African Border Day celebrations serve as platforms for launching joint development projects among border communities.
He concluded by appealing to governments, agencies, and civil society actors to adopt an integrated and forward-thinking approach to border governance.
“African Border Day should not only raise awareness of boundary challenges but also inspire actionable plans for joint programming, security, and socio-economic advancement,” Adaji said.
Established by the African Union in 2010, African Border Day is observed annually to promote peaceful and productive border management as part of the continent’s broader development and integration agenda.
By Enoch odesola/ June 30,2025
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