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Creation of local border authorities, key catalyst for national cohesion – ESBDA

The Executive Secretary Border Community Development Agency (ESBDA), Captain Junaid Abdullahi says the creation of local border authorities by states bordering Cameroon will be a key catalyst for national and international cohesion.

The Executive Secretary who was represented by Mr Sadiq Abdullahi Isa stated this at a one-day workshop for the creation of a platform for local border authorities along Nigeria – Cameroon boundaries held today Wednesday in Yola, the Adamawa state capital.

Adding that the workshop is timely as it will help in checkmating cross border crime and criminality.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State while declaring open the one-day workshop said the workshop is at, coming at a time when governments are faced with challenges of boundary demarcations.

Fintiri reiterated the government’s readiness to support all plans and initiatives aimed at addressing the protracted border challenges in our various States.

“I, therefore, wish to agree with your key objective clearly stated as the thrust of this one-day workshop intended to create a platform for local border authorities along the Nigeria and Cameroon International Boundary.

“It goes a long way in seeking to establish a platform for the engagement of Nigeria’s local border authorities to promote peaceful coexistence, good neighbourliness and sub-regional integration.

“The security implications of unresolved border issues cannot be overstated, stressing that the absence of clear demarcation poses risks and challenges, especially in areas lacking adequate security infrastructure”.

With Adamawa State alone having nearly 900 kilometres of border with Cameroon, the governor noted that the State is burdened with more of the need for the expected outcomes of this workshop.

He calls for robust collaboration between the Adamawa State Government, other State Governments, the National Boundary Commission, and the affected communities.

The State Deputy Governor and Chairman State Boundary Committee, Prof Kaletapwa Farauta explained that Adamawa State is the major stakeholder in cross-border projects in the country.

According to her, Nigeria has ratified the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation otherwise known as Niamey Convention to provide roles for the border local governments states and the country at large.

She observed that communities living along border areas are largely homogenous, however, “the workshop would foster peaceful coexistence and open doors for more opportunities for progress and development”.

The Director General National Boundary Commission, Adamu Adaje represented by Hajiya Amina Nyako, said the workshop comes at the right time owing to rising insecurity along border areas.

He added that it will also facilitate cross-border cooperation and regional integration and economic growth as underscored by the African Union and Economic Community of West African Union (ECOWAS).

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Wura-Ola Adepoju who was represented said creating the platform for local border authorities would indeed address smuggling of migrants, and banditry among other security challenges.

The one-day workshop which has the theme ‘Transforming Borders from Barriers of Separation to Bridges of Cooperation and Integration’ would bring out findings towards enhancing security and welfare of border communities”

The workshop was attended by Chairmen of Border Committees of frontline states of Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, Benue, Cross River and Akwa Ibom as well as traditional rulers among others.

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