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)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Africa
Dangote urges African industrialists to invest capital in continent
Mr Dangote said, “We must believe in our continent.”
States
Kebbi begins World Bank-sponsored projects to tackle flooding
Mr Tungulawa commended Governor Nasir Idris for his continued support.
Economy
CBN cuts interest rate to 23%, cites easing inflation, stronger reserves
The CBN cut its benchmark interest rate to 23 per cent from 26.5 per cent, as inflation continues to ease.
NationWide
NBS, ILO, EU seek stronger social protection data
Mr Adeniran called for stronger coordination of social protection data at the sub-national level.
States
Police nab suspect, recover firearms, others in Delta
Mr Edafe said that the 45-year-old suspect was apprehended on Saturday.
States
Troops hand over nine suspected drug peddlers to NDLEA in Yobe
Mr Yakubu attributed the successful handover of the suspects to the existing synergy between the troops and the NDLEA.
