Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has underscored the crucial need for establishing a platform for local border authorities along the Nigeria-Cameroon International Boundary.
This call came during his address at a one-day workshop dedicated to creating Nigeria’s platform for Local Border Authority along the said international boundary.
Addressing the audience, which included Deputy Governors from Borno, Taraba, Benue, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom, alongside the Director General of the National Boundary Commission, Fintiri highlighted the gravity of the border challenges within Adamawa State and at interstate levels.
Emphasizing the workshop’s theme, “Transforming Borders from Barriers of Separation to Bridges of Cooperation and Integration,” the governor stressed the urgent necessity for effective boundary demarcation.
He acknowledged the complexity of the issues, citing their impact on communities and expressing the state government’s unwavering commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at resolving protracted border challenges.
Fintiri pointed out that these challenges have led to communal clashes, economic sabotage, and cross-border security disturbances.
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He further highlighted the security implications of unresolved border issues, especially in areas lacking sufficient security infrastructure.
With Adamawa State sharing nearly nine hundred kilometres of border with Cameroon, the governor emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens.
Highlighting the potential benefits, governor Fintiri argued that creating platforms for local border authorities could enhance peaceful coexistence and security for border communities.
He stressed the importance of incorporating the voices and concerns of communities directly affected by border matters into the resolution process.
The Governor also underscored the significance of understanding the legal and historical context of the boundaries, advocating for a robust communication strategy to make the resolutions comprehensible to local communities.
He called for united and concerted efforts among the Adamawa State Government, other State Governments, the National Boundary Commission, and affected communities to address these pressing border challenges.
