Nigeria, Benin advance peaceful demarcation of shared 770km boundary

The Federal Government has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to resolving outstanding boundary issues with the Republic of Benin peacefully through demarcation and cross-border cooperation.

The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Mr Adamu Adaji, stated this at the opening of the Joint Standing Committee meeting on the Nigeria-Benin International Boundary in Lagos.

A statement issued on the meeting by Mrs Chinwe Udouwem, Head of Information, Press and Public Relations, NBC, was made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

Adaji described the meeting as an important step towards strengthening friendship, cooperation and peaceful coexistence between the two countries.

He emphasised that effective border governance required sustained cooperation among institutions and communities living along the boundary.

According to him, 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.

He called for adequate sensitisation and engagement of affected communities as the demarcation process progressed.

“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,” he said.

The director-general said the meeting built on deliberations at previous meetings held in Abuja in 2022 and Cotonou in 2024.

He highlighted recommendations from the Joint Technical Team meeting held in Kétou, Republic of Benin, from June 2 to June 8, 2026.

According to him, the meeting followed field completion exercises conducted by both countries along the Illo-Borgu boundary.

Adaji underscored the importance of completing the boundary demarcation process and effectively implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on Local Cross-Border Cooperation.

The agreement followed undertakings signed by chairmen of border local governments in Nigeria and their counterparts in 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 socioeconomic development,” he said.

Adaji expressed appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Benin for its continued commitment to bilateral boundary mechanisms.

He also acknowledged the support of the German Government, through the German Agency for International Cooperation, in promoting peaceful boundary management and cross-border cooperation.

The NBC director-general reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to working closely with its Beninese counterpart to resolve outstanding issues and advance the demarcation process.

He urged both delegations to engage constructively and agree on practical, time-bound measures that would benefit the two countries and their border communities.

In his remarks, the Director-General of the Benin Agency for Integrated Management of Border Spaces, Mr Adam Youssoufou, expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Nigeria for their hospitality.

Youssoufou, who led the Beninese delegation, commended the German Agency for International Cooperation for supporting efforts to resolve boundary issues and facilitate cross-border cooperation.

He noted that unclear boundary demarcation had posed challenges to security, economic development and cooperation along international borders.

He urged both delegations to work together to ensure the final demarcation of the boundary.

Youssoufou expressed confidence that the meeting would produce positive outcomes, renewed commitment and a shared sense of purpose.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr Sola Enikanolaiye, said the meeting aimed not merely to delineate a geographical line but to consolidate peaceful, predictable and mutually beneficial relations between the two countries.

“Our success should not be measured only by progress in the technical definition of the boundary, but also by the confidence it inspires, the cooperation it facilitates and the benefits it delivers to our respective people,” he said.

Enikanolaiye, who was represented by the Acting Director of the West Africa Division, Mrs Temidayo Balogun, said the meeting would enable both countries to review outstanding boundary matters and consider technical recommendations.

He added that the platform would also strengthen bilateral cooperation towards the peaceful and effective management of their shared international boundary.

(NAN)