The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Surveyor Adamu Adaji, has called for stronger collaboration among the Federal, State and Local Governments to tackle boundary disputes, improve border security and open up economic opportunities in Nigeria’s border communities.

Adaji made the call at a two-day interface themed “Inclusive Border Governance: Engaging States and Local Governments on Border Security and Economic Growth,” organised by the Senate Committee on States and Local Government Administration.

The meeting brought together senators, deputy governors, officials of the NBC, state government representatives, development partners and community stakeholders to discuss practical solutions to challenges affecting Nigeria’s internal and international boundaries.

The NBC boss described the engagement as timely and strategic, noting that effective border governance requires cooperation between the National Assembly and institutions responsible for managing boundary matters.

He said border management goes beyond the fight against trans-border crimes, stressing that it also involves conflict prevention, development, peaceful coexistence and institutional cooperation.

“This engagement has provided an important platform for direct engagement between the National Assembly and key stakeholders who are at the forefront of addressing boundary and border issues across the country,” Adaji said.

He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to resolving boundary disputes through dialogue, technical expertise and sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders.

According to him, the NBC has continued to work closely with state governments, local councils and relevant federal agencies to prevent boundary-related conflicts and promote cooperation among affected communities.

Adaji urged state governments to establish, strengthen and adequately fund State Boundary Commissions and other border management institutions to improve coordination, reduce conflicts and stimulate economic activities in border areas.

He added that effective border governance can only be achieved through partnership involving the Federal Government, states, local authorities, neighbouring countries and border communities.

Earlier, Chairman of the Senate Committee on States and Local Government Administration, Senator Binos Yaroe, said many border communities, despite their importance to national security and economic development, still face challenges including poor infrastructure, unemployment, inadequate social amenities and communal conflicts.

Yaroe stressed that sustainable border management should not rely solely on security agencies but must include active community participation and investment in economic opportunities.

Declaring the interface open, Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senate Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Monguno, emphasised the role of border governance in national security and economic growth.

Akpabio pledged the commitment of the National Assembly towards policies that would improve the livelihood of border communities, promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen good neighbourliness.

The interface is expected to produce recommendations aimed at improving border governance, deepening intergovernmental cooperation and boosting economic growth across Nigeria’s border regions.