Senate, Commission to boost security for Border communities

By Haruna Salami

The Senate, National Boundary Commission (NBC) and stakeholders have called for stronger multi-level collaboration between federal, state and local authorities to secure Nigeria’s borders, prevent boundary disputes, and transform border communities from security flashpoints into centres of trade and development.
The call was made at the 3rd Annual National Assembly/Border and Boundary Community Stakeholders Interface, a 2-day workshop themed “Inclusive Border Governance: Engaging States and Local Governments on Border Security and Economic Growth”.
The workshop opened Tuesday at the Senate Wing of the National Assembly Complex and was convened by the Senate Committee on States and Local Government Administration in partnership with Global Gold Consult Limited.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared the workshop open and said Nigeria’s border towns occupy a strategic position as gateways for trade, culture and regional integration, but they are also the first to bear the brunt of insecurity, smuggling, trafficking and irregular migration.
“Despite their importance, many border communities continue to face significant developmental challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to social services, unemployment, and insufficient economic opportunities.
“These conditions not only affect the wellbeing of residents but also create vulnerabilities that threaten national security,” Akpabio stated.
The Senate President stressed that enforcement alone cannot guarantee lasting security.
“Sustainable border security cannot be achieved through enforcement measures alone.
“It requires inclusive governance, community participation, and targeted socio-economic development,” he said.
He urged that border residents be recognized as partners in safeguarding Nigeria’s frontiers and called for investment in infrastructure, education, healthcare and jobs to turn the areas into “centres of stability, prosperity, and national integration.”
“The Senate remains committed to supporting legislative and policy initiatives that strengthen local governance, enhance security, and improve the lives of Nigerians, particularly those living in border areas,” Akpabio assured.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on States and Local Government Affairs , Senato Mr Binos Yaroe (Adsmawa South), said the workshop was convened because of the strategic role border communities play in security and economic growth.
“While these communities serve as important gateways for trade and cooperation, many continue to face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, unemployment, limited access to basic services, and security concerns,” the Chairman said.
He added that effective border governance “requires inclusive policies that promote development, strengthen local institutions, encourage community participation, and create economic opportunities for the people living in these areas.”
The Chairman said the forum brought together legislators, policymakers, security agencies, local government officials, traditional rulers, development partners and community stakeholders to exchange ideas and identify practical solutions.
“We expect the discussions over the next two days to generate useful recommendations that will guide legislative actions, strengthen policy implementation, and support ongoing efforts to improve governance, security, and development in border areas,” he stated.
Director General, National Boundary Commission (NBC), Surveyor Adamu Adaji said the workshop was “timely and necessary” as it created direct dialogue between the National Assembly and stakeholders managing boundary disputes nationwide.
Adaji applauded the Senate Committee’s oversight, saying the forum showed the legislature’s commitment to peaceful border management and better governance for border communities.
“Effective border management requires sustained cooperation among all tiers of government, relevant institutions, security agencies, traditional authorities, and host communities,” he stated. He stressed that such partnerships are critical to preventing boundary conflicts, addressing security threats, and fostering peaceful coexistence among neighboring communities.
The NBC boss reaffirmed the Commission’s mandate to identify, define and demarcate Nigeria’s internal and international boundaries, while facilitating dialogue and mediation to resolve disputes in the interest of national unity. He noted the Commission has continued to work closely with state governments, local councils, federal agencies and security bodies to prevent conflicts and strengthen peaceful boundary administration.
The workshop examined policy and legislative gaps affecting border governance. Participants, including National Assembly members, federal/state/local government representatives, traditional rulers, security agencies and border community leaders, proposed practical solutions to improve security, close policy gaps, and expand economic opportunities in border areas.
Adaji highlighted the role of traditional institutions in conflict prevention, describing monarchs as custodians of culture whose involvement is essential to sustaining peace. He urged participants to share experiences and recommend actions that will strengthen border governance, improve security, and unlock economic potential for millions living along Nigeria’s borders.
He expressed optimism that the workshop would produce actionable recommendations to reinforce Nigeria’s border management framework and prevent boundary-related crises.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the deputy governors of Rivers, Ondo and Osun States, as well as representatives of Global Gold Consult and other stakeholders.
The meeting came amid growing concerns over cross-border insecurity, smuggling and boundary disputes that have strained relations between communities and tested national security resources. Stakeholders who participated agreed that inclusive governance, with traditional rulers and security agencies at the centre, is key to stable and prosperous border communities.