ECOWAS: FG seeks unified action against border crimes
Nigeria has intensified calls for stronger cross-border cooperation among ECOWAS member states to combat transnational crime, terrorism and other border-related challenges threatening regional stability.
The director-general of the National Boundary Commission, Adamu Adaji, made the call during the annual stakeholders’ meeting on ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation held in Abuja.
The regional meeting, hosted by the ECOWAS Commission, was attended by representatives from Nigeria, Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
According to a statement by the NBC, Mr Adaji underscored the need for ECOWAS member states to strengthen cross-border cooperation to tackle terrorism, transnational crimes and illegal movements threatening peace and stability in the region.
He noted that deeper regional integration would enhance joint security operations, improve resource sharing and promote socio-economic development among border communities across West Africa.
Mr Adaji said Nigeria was the first country in the sub-region to establish the ECOWAS Cross Border Cooperation programme. He noted that Nigeria keyed into the programme due to its strategic importance in addressing complex border challenges, combating terrorism while promoting social cohesion among border communities.
According to Mr Adaji, the programme is designed to leverage the existing homogeneous socio- cultural identities along border communities. He further explained that the CBC programme promotes joint development and utilisation of transboundary resources.
Mr Adaji also mentioned that the programme helped in pooling of resources for the provision of strategic goods and integrated health management approaches to combat trans boundary diseases among member States.
”This programme also provides opportunities for joint security operations capable of guaranteeing peace, security and stability within border areas, thereby facilitating growth and development across the region,” he said.
(NAN)
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