The National Assembly and border community stakeholders have called for the urgent deployment of drone technology, establishment of cross-border cooperation platforms, and adequate funding for boundary agencies to address rising insecurity and disputes in Nigeria’s border areas.
This was contained in a communique issued in Abuja at the weekend following the 3rd Annual National Assembly/Border Community Stakeholders Interface held from June 29 to July 1, 2026 at the Senate Conference Hall, Room 231, Abuja. The communique was signed by Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe and Rapporteur General, Chief J. O. Yusu.
The 3-day interface with the theme _“Inclusive Border Governance: Engaging States and Local Governments on Border Security and Economic Growth”_ was organized by the Senate Committee on States and Local Government Administration in collaboration with Global Gold Consult Limited.
Declaring the event open, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, said the initiative has the potential to enhance the livelihoods of border communities.
In his address of welcome, Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe, described the theme as “apt and germane” given current national realities. He called for closer collaboration between the Federal Government, states, local governments and border communities to address border challenges.
The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, NBC, Surveyor Adamu A. Adaji, said the interface was important in addressing the rising challenges of boundary disputes and their consequences on national security.
He urged the National Assembly to sustain support for the NBC to improve the livelihood of border communities and promote peaceful coexistence.
Stakeholders noted several gaps during plenary sessions and feedbacks from states and LGs.
They observed the lack of follow-up on recommendations from previous interfaces, the absence of technology in border management, and the ineffectiveness of many State Boundary Committees. They also noted the near non-existence of such committees at the local government level.
The meeting further observed that boundary resolutions are not promptly implemented by the NBC due to funding challenges, while conflict prevention mechanisms remain weak and ineffective.
Lead papers were presented on topics including the role of state and LG boundary committees, security implications of boundary disputes, use of drone technology for border management, early warning and early response mechanisms, and legislative support for boundary management.
A drone technology exhibition by Epsilon Unmanned Systems and ARCO Worldwide also featured at the opening.
To address the challenges, participants recommended the establishment of cross-border cooperation platforms along inter-state and inter-local government boundaries. The platforms are expected to drive early warning, quick response and peaceful coexistence among communities that share boundaries.
They also called for the provision of joint infrastructural projects along border areas. According to them, roads, markets, health centres and other shared facilities will boost economic growth and reduce tension in border communities.
The interface further stressed the need to strengthen conflict prevention mechanisms across border communities. Participants said stronger mediation structures will help de-escalate disputes before they degenerate into violence.
On technology, stakeholders urged the deployment of drone technology for boundary definition and surveillance. The Federal Government was implored to coordinate and manage the use of drones for effective border management nationwide.
Participants also recommended that early warning mechanisms be embedded in border governance structures. This, they said, will enable authorities to detect and respond to threats in real time.
The National Assembly was urged to act on constitutional amendment, particularly relevant sections of Sections 7, 8 and 162, to strengthen border governance and the role of states and local governments in boundary management.
Stakeholders said there is need to ensure that functional Boundary Committees are established in all states and local government areas. They noted that the absence of such committees at the LG level has weakened dispute resolution.
The meeting further called for prompt implementation of boundary dispute resolutions by the National Boundary Commission. Delays, they noted, have fueled fresh disagreements in several communities.
Participants also demanded adequate funding for the National Boundary Commission and the Border Communities Development Agency. They said without proper funding, efforts to address rising boundary disputes and development challenges will remain ineffective.
Finally, the communique tasked both the NBC and the Senate Committee to ensure that positive actions are taken on all recommendations made, and that follow-up is sustained after the interface.
Dignitaries at the interface included Deputy Governors of Rivers, Ondo and Ekiti States, representatives of Akwa Ibom, Osun, Nasarawa, Enugu and Adamawa, royal fathers, LG chairmen from Adamawa and Plateau, and heads of security and conflict resolution agencies.
