Nigeria and the Benin Republic have agreed to pursue a coordinated border cooperation plan covering 2026 to 2029, as eight West African countries move to strengthen border security, resolve boundary challenges and promote economic development in border communities.

The partnership was identified at the Third Meeting of Heads of National Boundary Commissions, held in Banjul, The Gambia, from October 6 to 8, 2026, with representatives of the eight countries and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) seeking stronger regional coordination on boundary management.

The meeting brought together officials from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone, alongside the ECOWAS Commission and technical and financial partners, including the German Development Agency (GIZ).

Nigeria was represented by the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Surv. Adamu Audu Adaji.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the commission’s Head of Information, Press and Public Relations, Chinwe Udouwem, the meeting reviewed progress on recommendations adopted at the second meeting in Cotonou, Benin, in August 2025, while identifying priorities for improved boundary operations and cross-border cooperation.

The discussions placed emphasis on accelerating boundary delimitation, demarcation and reaffirmation through stronger political commitment, technical collaboration and sustained dialogue between neighbouring countries.

Participants also stressed the need for bilateral agreements that clearly establish the objectives, stages and technical requirements of boundary operations, alongside the use of compatible equipment, experienced technical personnel and effective communication channels to address operational challenges and prevent disputes.

Beyond the technical management of boundaries, the meeting highlighted the relationship between effective border governance, national security and the economic welfare of communities living along international borders.

Participants called for closer cooperation to address security threats, prevent crises and preserve the social, cultural and economic ties that bind neighbouring communities.

They also advocated greater involvement of local authorities and border communities in consultations and decision-making, noting that inclusive participation could help prevent misunderstandings, facilitate dispute resolution and promote peaceful coexistence.

The meeting further called for border governance strategies that integrate security, local development, trade and free movement, rather than treating boundary management as a purely technical or territorial exercise.

Five bilateral partnerships were identified for coordinated activities: The Gambia-Senegal, Benin-Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire-Liberia, and Liberia-Sierra Leone.

The proposed areas of cooperation include land and maritime boundary operations, cross-border initiatives, security, economic development and regional integration.

For Nigeria and Benin, the 2026–2029 planning horizon provides a framework for continued engagement on shared boundary priorities.

Participants also proposed further examination of a cross-border cooperation fund and joint funding requests by neighbouring countries, subject to applicable financial regulations, as part of efforts to secure sustainable financing for regional initiatives.

On the continental front, the meeting reviewed progress towards the entry into force of the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation, also known as the Niamey Convention.

The report noted that The Gambia’s recent ratification brought the number of ratifying African countries to 14, against the 15 required for the convention to enter into force.

Countries yet to complete their ratification processes were urged to expedite the necessary procedures to strengthen the continental framework for cross-border cooperation.

The meeting’s recommendations included improved coordination among national and regional border institutions, stronger local cross-border cooperation, inclusive community participation, increased mobilisation of domestic resources and enhanced technical collaboration.

Participants also identified follow-up priorities, including documenting evidence of project implementation, verifying security conditions before monitoring missions, clarifying institutional responsibilities and securing sustainable funding.

The outcomes reinforce the need for neighbouring countries to combine technical boundary operations with practical cooperation on security, trade and community development.

For Nigeria, the National Boundary Commission’s participation provides a platform to deepen engagement with neighbouring states and regional institutions on shared boundary concerns, while advancing peaceful coexistence and development in border areas.