NBC creates platforms for Borno local authorities, traditional rulers

By Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri

The National Boundary Commission (NBC); is to create forums for local authorities and traditional rulers in the Borno border areas with Chad.

According to the Commission, the local and traditional border authorities are residents in the Nigeria-Chad international boundary.

Unveiling the border area authorities, on Tuesday in Maiduguri, at a workshop for the creation of platforms for local authorities and traditional rulers, NBC’s Director General, Adamu Adaji, disclosed: “Borno state occupies a strategic position as the only State that shares boundary with Niger, Chad and Cameroon.”

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He said that the State, which is an international gate-way; played a convenient role on behalf of Nigeria.

“Residents in the border areas are hospitable and accommodate the nature of the Nigerian government and people, “ he said.

According to him, Borno pioneered the desired integration of Africa through what he described as; “The promotion of the cordial relationship between Nigeria and her neighbours.”

The Commission boss noted that the essence of the workshop was to improve the cross border relations between the local border authorities and traditional authorities of Borno with their counterparts in Chad.

Besides, he added: “This is a follow-up to the workshop that established a National Consultative Forum (NCF) for constructive engagement, collaboration,” noting that this will ensure aeffective coordination of the border policies and programmes.

He said the platform for local authorities will provide avenues to promote security and economic growth and development of the border areas with Chad.

Executive Secretary of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Capt. Junaid Abdullahi, said that the Agency between 2010 and 2023; has completed 2,151 capital projects in border communities.

He said that the projects cut across the social and economic sectors of the economy.

“The projects were to positively impact on the livelihoods of the people in the border rural areas,” he noted.

Abdullahi who listed some of the projects sited in Borno, lauded governments of Border States for their support and cooperation with the Commission.

“Their action has resulted in the Agency establishing a fully operational Zonal offices in Maiduguri, Katsina and Yenegoa,” said Abdullahi.

In her message, the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Ms Wura-Ola Adepoju, said the leading organisation in border management, was ready to partner with stakeholders in enhancing welfare and security in border communities.

Adepoju represented by the Comptroller in charge of Borno, Mr Salihu Abdullahi, said that the measures have enhanced security at the border, including the setting up of forward operational bases and the deployment of technology.

Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by hi deputy, Umar Kadafur, who doubles as Chairman of State Border Committee, stressed the need for effective border management for positive developments.

He said the Nigeria-Chad border areas, are strategic, adding that; “The two countries are to work together to enhance capacities of local border authorities.”

“Through constructive dialogue, authorities in the border areas can identify their challenges, develop innovative solutions and implement them in securing people’s lives and property.” he said.