Nigeria-Benin Strengthen Cross-Border Cooperation

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of outstanding boundary issues with the Republic of Benin, emphasising the need to combine boundary demarcation with effective cross-border cooperation for the security and development of border communities.

The Director-General of the Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, stated this at the opening ceremony of the meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on the Nigeria-Benin International Boundary, held in Lagos from 28 to 30 October 2026, according to Chinwe Udouwem, Head of Information, Press and Public Relations.

Adaji said the meeting was an important step towards strengthening the bonds of friendship, cooperation and peaceful coexistence between the two countries, noting that Nigeria and Benin share approximately 770 kilometres of land boundary, traversing six Nigerian states, with communities on both sides maintaining longstanding social, cultural and economic relationships.

“The management and resolution of boundary issues must be guided by applicable legal instruments, available evidence and technical procedures, while also taking into account the legitimate interests of border communities,” Adaji stressed.

He called for adequate sensitisation and engagement with affected communities and effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on Local Cross-Border Cooperation, following undertakings signed by the chairmen of border local governments in Nigeria and their counterparts in the communes of the Republic of Benin.

“Translating the agreement into practical action through regular consultations, joint action plans and community-based initiatives would strengthen border security, promote cultural integration, facilitate legitimate cross-border trade and enhance socio-economic development.”

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Benin Agency for Integrated Management of Border Spaces, Adam Youssoufou, who led the Benin delegation, expressed profound appreciation to the Government and people of Nigeria for their hospitality.

He also commended the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) for its support and assistance towards resolving boundary issues and facilitating cross-border cooperation between the two countries.

Youssoufou noted that the lack of clear demarcation of the boundary had posed challenges to security, economic development and cooperation along the international border.

While urging both delegations to work together to ensure the final demarcation, he expressed confidence that participants would, at the end of the meeting, report positive outcomes and move forward with a clear understanding, renewed commitment and a shared sense of purpose.