Nigeria and seven other West African countries have agreed to strengthen border security, accelerate boundary demarcation and deepen cross-border cooperation to promote trade, free movement and regional integration.

The agreement was reached 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 from Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone, alongside officials of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and other development partners.

According to a statement issued by Nigeria’s National Boundary Commission, the meeting provided an opportunity for participating countries to review progress on previous recommendations and identify strategies to improve boundary management and cross-border relations.

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

Participants emphasised the need to accelerate boundary delimitation, demarcation and reaffirmation through stronger political commitment, improved technical collaboration and sustained dialogue among neighbouring countries.

They also stressed the importance of involving national governments, boundary commissions, local authorities and technical experts in addressing challenges affecting boundary operations.

The countries further highlighted the need for bilateral agreements to clearly define the objectives, stages and technical requirements of boundary demarcation exercises.

Beyond security, the meeting focused on promoting peaceful relations among neighbouring countries, facilitating legitimate cross-border trade and improving the movement of people and goods across the region.

Participants noted that effective border management was essential to regional economic development, particularly for communities whose livelihoods depend on cross-border commercial activities.

The meeting also provided a platform for countries to share experiences and strengthen cooperation in addressing common challenges associated with boundary administration.

The initiative forms part of ECOWAS’ broader efforts to improve regional border governance and advance economic integration among West African countries.

The participating nations are expected to sustain collaboration and implement the recommendations to ensure that their borders become areas of cooperation, security and economic opportunity rather than sources of conflict and division.

The agreement underscores the commitment of the eight countries to strengthening regional integration through peaceful boundary management, improved security and enhanced economic cooperation.