AFRICAN BORDER EXPERTS COMMEND NIGERIA

The giant strides which Nigeria made in the demarcation and resolution of its International boundaries were commended by African border experts in Bamako, Mali during the border experts meeting organized by the African Union Commission. This commendation was against the backdrop of the presentation made by Nigeria (National Boundary Commission) on updates of Nigeria’s International boundaries and the modus operandi used in boundary resolution and conflict prevention.

Highlights of the presentation include amongst other things:-

i.                   the current joint efforts by Nigeria and Cameroon in resolving their Land and Maritime boundary disputes;

ii.                 the successful unitization of straddling oil fields between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea;

iii.              the establishment of the Joint Development Zone over disputed Maritime areas between Nigeria and Sao Tome and Principe;

iv.              the resolution and demarcation of Maritime and Land boundary between Nigeria and Benin Republic; and

v.                 the demarcation of Nigeria – Niger boundary; and

vi.              the excellent cross border relationships between Nigeria and her neighbours.

Sequel to the commendation made by the border experts, the Peace and Security Department of the African Union, the organizers of the meeting requested Nigeria to put up a similar presentation for the Conference of African Ministers in-charge of borders, which was held in July, 2007 at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.