Nigeria Pushes for Enhanced Cross-Border Cooperation

Nigeria is seeking stronger cross-border cooperation to address regional crimes and enhance integration across West Africa. This initiative was emphasized by Adamu Adaji, Director of the National Boundary Commission, during the annual regional stakeholders meeting on ECOWAS cross-border cooperation held in Abuja.

Dr. Farouk Tarfa, representing the head of cross-border cooperation, noted that Nigeria was the first country in the sub-region to establish the ECOWAS cross-border cooperation program.

The program aims to help member states combat terrorism and transnational crime while promoting social cohesion among border communities. It leverages existing socio-cultural ties to build a foundation for ECOWAS integration.

The program also focuses on joint development and resource utilization, addressing transboundary diseases, and facilitating joint security operations to ensure peace and stability in border areas. The meeting reviewed the implementation of the ECOWAS cross-border cooperation program and agreed on new joint initiatives to strengthen regional peace and security.