The Federal Government has organized a one-day workshop for the creation of Nigeria’s platform for local border authorities along Nigeria-Cameroon international boundary.
Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta said during the forum that government will continue to work towards a secure and peaceful border regime to guaranty economic prosperity, security and the well being of citizens.
Under the theme, “Transforming Borders from Barriers of Separation to Bridges of Cooperation and Integration”, the participants gathered at the Banquette Hall of Government House Yola to discuss and draw a blueprint on issues affecting the borders geared towards restoring sanity for effective security and economic benefits.
Deputy Governor Kaletapwa Farauta who doubles as chairman of state boundary committees, explained that the engagement will pave way for transborder cooperation between Nigeria and Cameroon.
She said out of 2100 kms of the Nigeria-Cameroon boundary, Adamawa alone shares about 600km stretch, spanning over nine out of the 21 local government areas of the state.
Professor Farauta added that restoring and strengthening the integrity of the borders is vital, noting that it will not only foster peaceful coexistence, good neighborliness, development and sub-regional integration, but open up opportunities for socio economic development.
The representatives of Director General, National Boundary Commission, Amina Nyako and that of the Executive Secretary, Border Communities Development Agency, Sadiq Abdullahi Isa, among other speakers, emphasized the need for renewed commitment at protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s border despite all odds.
Regretting the cross border crimes such as smuggling, piracy and others, the stakeholders said implementation of African Union Governance Strategy for Effective Border Management is paramount in that regard.
They also advocated synergy between relevant authorities and proper border demarcation to reduce boundary related issues, adding that the benefits of transborder cooperation are enormous.
There were paper presentations and goodwill messages from the participants, followed by the nomination of Professor Kaletapwa Farauta as the chairperson, Forum of the States Boundary Committees.
By Husssini Hammagabdo
