Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have agreed to pursue a four-year border cooperation plan aimed at strengthening security, resolving boundary disputes and promoting economic development in communities along their shared frontier.

The partnership was identified at the Third Meeting of Heads of National Boundary Commissions, held in Banjul, The Gambia, from October 6 to 8, 2026.

The meeting brought together representatives of Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone, alongside the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS Commission and development partners, including the German Development Agency GIZ.

Nigeria was represented by the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission NBC, Surveyor Adamu Audu Adaji.

According to a statement issued by the commission’s Head of Information, Press and Public Relations, Chinwe Udouwem, participants reviewed the implementation of recommendations adopted at their previous meeting in Cotonou, Benin, in August 2025.

The discussions focused on accelerating boundary delimitation, demarcation and reaffirmation through stronger political commitment, technical cooperation and sustained dialogue between neighbouring countries.

Participants emphasised the need for bilateral agreements that clearly define the objectives, stages and technical requirements of boundary operations. They also called for compatible equipment, qualified technical personnel and effective communication channels to address operational challenges and prevent disputes.

Beyond territorial administration, the meeting highlighted the links between effective border governance, national security and the economic welfare of border communities.

Participants advocated closer cooperation to address security threats, prevent crises and preserve the social, cultural and economic ties connecting neighbouring populations. They also called for local authorities, traditional institutions and border communities to participate more actively in consultations and decision-making.

The meeting identified five bilateral partnerships for coordinated activities: The Gambia–Senegal, Benin–Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire–Liberia and Liberia–Sierra Leone.

The proposed areas of cooperation include land and maritime boundary operations, cross-border security initiatives, economic development and regional integration.

Participants also proposed further consideration of a cross-border cooperation fund and joint funding requests by neighbouring countries, subject to applicable financial regulations, to ensure sustainable financing for regional projects.

The meeting reviewed progress towards the entry into force of the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation, also known as the Niamey Convention.

The report noted that The Gambia’s recent ratification brought the number of ratifying countries to 14, one short of the 15 required for the convention to take effect. Countries yet to complete their ratification processes were urged to expedite the necessary procedures.

Other recommendations included improved coordination among national and regional boundary institutions, stronger community participation, greater mobilisation of domestic resources and enhanced technical collaboration.

The outcomes provide Nigeria and Benin with a framework to deepen cooperation on shared border concerns while promoting security, peaceful coexistence, trade and sustainable development in border communities.