National Boundary Commission has said Nigeria and Benin are stepping up cross-border cooperation to improve security, trade and development across shared border communities.

According to a report by Punch Newspapers, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Adamu Adaji, said clearly demarcated borders are essential for strengthening regional peace, economic activities and community resilience.

Adaji, represented by Farouk Tarfa, spoke during a two-day Cross Border Cooperation Programme held from May 14 to 15 along the Nigeria-Benin and Benin-Togo frontiers. The event was hosted by Yousouf Adams, head of the Benin Republic’s boundary commission.

He said many African borders remained unclear after independence because of colonial-era treaties, but leaders across the continent had committed to respecting inherited boundaries while resolving disputes peacefully.

The commission also called for continued backing from German International Cooperation to complete the demarcation of the Nigeria-Benin international boundary, saying the project would improve livelihoods in border communities and tighten security.

Officials from the African Union and GIZ joined the programme, including Tobias Thiel and Bakary Sanou.

Delegates also inspected border pillars and visited socio-economic projects in the region. They paid a courtesy visit to Sir Isaac, who urged continued engagement with local communities to reduce irregular migration and support peace.

The meeting also saw a solidarity visit to the Benin-Togo border where local cross-border cooperation platforms were inaugurated. The initiative is designed to boost the vision of an “ECOWAS of People” by promoting regional integration, peaceful coexistence and stronger border governance.