NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
NBC moves to build border community resilience for economic devt   

NBC moves to build border community resilience for economic devt   

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By Philip Yatai

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) says it is building border community resilience for economic development through cross border cooperation.

The Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, stated this at the commemoration of the 2025 African Border Day, in Abuja on Monday.

The theme of the event was “Building Border Community Resilience and Economic Development through Cross Border Cooperation”.

Adaji said that Nigeria’s security and economic prosperity were directly interconnected with close neighbours.

He added that over the years, the country had systematically cultivated good relationships with its neighbours as strategies for national security and economic prosperity.

He said that the NBC has championed the engagements in a series of trans-border cooperation workshops to build confidence and downplay the weight of borders.

“The NBC is committed to a transformation process and effective border governance through the definition and determination of Nigeria’s territorial borders.

“This is because good fences make good neighbours.

“In addition to the effective efforts to demarcate and delimit all our boundaries with our neighbours to prevent conflict and disputes, the Commission champions the facilitation of equitable utilisation of transboundary resources.

“Our activities of cross border cooperation with our close neighbours are always inclusive of our border communities,” he said.

Adaji said that the NBC engages and works in close collaboration with the border communities, the local border authorities and traditional institutions.

According to him, the stakeholders are key in building community resilience, social cohesion, and in helping to secure territorial borders as well as enhancing the prospects for economic development of the country.

The NBC boss explained that the African border day was being celebrated by member states to raise awareness on the critical role international borders play in promoting peace and security.

He added that the day was also used to promote regional integration and inclusive socio-economic development across the continent.

“The day is also used to highlight the significant role of the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation in the integration of countries across the continent.

“The essence of today’s celebration is to bring together all relevant stakeholders to reflect on the day and to celebrate African Border Day.

“The theme is in line with the African Union’s all-embracing theme of the year:

“Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, he said.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Chairman, Nigeria’s Coastal Border Platform, called for the creation of special funds for the boundary platforms to function.

Ewhrudjakpo also advocated the establishment of marine corps for intelligence gathering and ensuring safety along Nigeria’s coastal borders.

Also, the Deputy Governor of Sokoto, Mr Idris Gobir, Chairman, Nigeria -Niger International Border Platform, stressed the need for construction of border fences to ensure the safety of citizens.

According to him, strengthening cross border cooperation will not yield the desired results if Nigeria’s borders remain porous and accessible to all kinds of criminal elements.

The event was attended by stakeholders from across the country, including representative of security agencies. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Nigeria, China strengthen bilateral ties to drive economic development, Innovation

Nigeria, China strengthen bilateral ties to drive economic development, Innovation

621 total views today

By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with a focus on driving economic development, infrastructure growth, and technological innovation.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, said this at the Nigeria-China Economic and Trade Partnership Forum Roundtable in Abuja on Monday.

Tuggar, represented by Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, Director, Economic and Trade Infrastructure Department (ETID), said that the relationship between the two nations had evolved significantly over the years.

He reiterated the importance of the recently established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between both countries, adding that the partnership would strengthen trade, investment, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development.

“The establishment of this partnership marks a milestone in the relations between our two countries.

“It is an opportunity for us to collaborate more extensively in key areas like infrastructure development, trade, investment, capacity building, and people-to-people exchanges,” he said.

The minister further assured participants that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to facilitate closer cooperation with Chinese counterparts and relevant stakeholders.

He said that efforts would be intensified, to ensure that projects under the new partnership were successfully implemented.

Also speaking, Mr Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the China-Nigeria Strategic Partnership, expressed optimism about the future of the two nations’ economic collaboration.

According to Tegbe, the relationship between Nigeria and China has been built on mutual respect, shared goals, and the pursuit of joint development for over 50 years.

“Over the years, we have seen significant progress in areas like infrastructure, trade, energy, health and education.

“Our relationship is not just about economic growth, but also about creating opportunities that will benefit both countries and the people,” he said

He emphasised the critical role of strategic coordination between both governments, adding that sectors like agriculture, mining, alternative energy, and healthcare would receive priority attention under the partnership.

He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing industrialisation and moving towards a net-export position, positioning China as a key partner in this effort.

Mr Zhang Liang, Head of the Chinese delegation and Secretary-General of the LVY Road International Cooperation Center, expressed China’s firm support for strengthening the bilateral relationship.

According to him, China and Nigeria have a shared vision for development and prosperity, thus the need to deepen collaboration.

“China and Nigeria, as two major developing countries, have long respected each other and worked together to achieve common progress.

“With our strengthened comprehensive strategic partnership, we are confident that we can usher in a new era of cooperation, benefiting not only our nations but also the broader Global South,” Liang stated.

He restated the importance of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which had elevated China-Nigeria relations and opened new avenues for collaboration.

Liang also praised the China-Nigeria Economic and Trade Conference, which provided Nigerian and Chinese businesses a platform to engage in fruitful discussions aimed at advancing trade and investment.

He, therefore, encouraged the facilitation of in-depth negotiations, strengthened cooperation and early implementation of projects to achieve the goals of both countries.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Nura Rimi , said that Nigeria sought deeper cooperation with China in agriculture, mining, renewable energy and technology sectors, among others.

According to Rimi, Nigeria has enacted various policies to enable it to attract investments and promote responsible, inclusive and sustainable trade and investment growth.

He urged the Chinese businesses to view Nigeria as an ideal investment destination, emphasising its position as Africa’s largest economy and a gateway to other regions.

He therefore expressed hope that the forum would foster stronger relations between the two nations and lead to fruitful discussions on strategic partnerships and investments.

Mr Khalil Halilu, Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), said that the presence of over 20 Chinese companies at the forum was a testament of the opportunities in Nigeria.

He expressed optimism that the partnership would contribute significantly to the growth and development of both countries.

The Director-General, Rural Electrification Energy of Nigeria, Mr Abba Aliyu, while stating the mandate of the agency, also expressed confidence in the collaboration with China.

He said that the agency signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with China during President Bola Tinubu’s visit, adding that the agency had begun the process of implementation of the projects.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by government officials, Heads of Agencies, representatives of companies from Nigeria and China, stakeholders, and partners among others. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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