The Borno State Government, in partnership with the National Boundary Commission, organized a workshop on, January 30th, 2024, focused on establishing a platform for local border authorities along the Nigeria-Chad International Boundary.
The event, held at the multipurpose hall of the Government House Maiduguri, was opened by the Borno Governor’s deputy, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur.
Participants included representatives from the state Boundary Committee, Chairmen of Local Government Areas at the border, and Traditional and religious leaders along the Nigeria and Chad International Boundaries.
Hon Tukur Shani, Commissioner of Inter-Governmental Affairs and Special Duties, highlighted the workshop’s significance in strengthening border cooperation during his welcome address.
The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surv Adamu A. Adaji, emphasized that the workshop’s goal is to establish a flexible platform for Nigeria’s local border authorities to engage with their counterparts in neighboring countries, fostering peaceful coexistence and sub-regional integration.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the Border Community Development Agency, Captain Junaid Abdullahi, the Director of Planning and Intergovernmental, Sadiq Abdullahi, mentioned collaborative efforts with the commission to develop border communities, showcasing various successful projects.
The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Services expressed readiness to collaborate with the commission, acknowledging their role as a critical stakeholder in border management.
The Deputy Governor, also the Borno State Chairman Boundary Committee, welcomed the initiative, anticipating enhanced operations of the State Committee through the workshop.
During the workshop sessions, Dr. Usman Farouk Tarfa, Director-General of the Boundary Commission and head of Cross-Border Cooperation, presented a paper on Nigeria-Chad state and Local Governments, emphasizing the imperatives of cross-border cooperation for peaceful coexistence, security, and sub-regional integration.
The interactive sessions included questions and answers, culminating in discussions on the creation of local border platforms and leadership.
The Deputy Governor highlighted the workshop’s timely nature, aligning with the state government’s efforts to restore peace and security in communities, emphasizing that the platform’s creation will strengthen cooperation between Borno and neighboring states.
