The governments of Kebbi, Dossou (Niger Republic) and the Alibori department (of the Benin Republic) have signed validation documents on border cooperation.

Governor Atiku Bagudu, Governor Albachir Aboubacar (Dossou) and the prefect of Alibori, Bello Samah, signed the documents in Birnin Kebbi following four days of deliberations among experts from the three states on the collaboration.

Reading the drafted documents on the collaboration, Dr Farouq Musa, from the National Boundary Commission (NBC), stated that the regions agreed to commit to political support, local authorities’ co-op station, especially on the mobility of livestock in their borders’ areas.

He said the MoU further strengthened the region’s economy and security.

Mr Bagudu, while addressing the experts and delegates of the three regions, said, “The three communities have been linked together for decades, enjoying very cordial relationships in agriculture, commerce and inter-marriages.

He added, “But there is no organised, institutionalised framework on the cross borders and security issues to further cement the aged relationship between the three borders’ communities, particularly, in the agro-pastoralism area. Our traditional rulers have a relationship across borders, and that shows that we are the same people.”

Mr Aboubacar, who spoke through an interpreter, commended the organisers, the ECOWAS, World Bank, and other international donors for making the collaboration come to a reality. He stressed that the development would gear up development in the regions.

Mr Ahmed commended ECOWAS and experts from the three regions for working assiduously in making their dream a reality.

Alain Traore, the director of Agriculture and Rural Development of ECOWAS, who also moderated the signing of the validation documents, commended the three regions for their initiatives, the World Bank, Swiss Bank and European Unions.

He said the ECOWAS would continue to support the regions on developmental issues.

(NAN)