Cross border cooperation initiative when successfully applied has been described as a policy that can prevent conflict.
The policy also has the capacity to strengthen and develop good neighborliness between border communities.
The Kogi State Deputy Governor Yomi Awoniyi, stated this at a two day National workshop on Cross Border Cooperation with the theme “the imperatives of cross border cooperation in Sub Regional Integration and National development” held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The Deputy Governor was the chairman at one of the plenary session on Unitization and joint development of cross border resources.
Awoniyi called for the adoption of the principle of unitization where resources straddles communities.
The Kogi State Deputy Governor advocated the efficient and secure management of resources as a mechanism for transformation of internal and external borders.
Awoniyi assured that communities sharing borders in Kogi State will continue to live in peace with their neighbors.
In his paper presentation titled Unitization and Joint Development of Cross Border, Alh Kashim Tunsah, Executive Director Nigeria Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development Authority, called on border communities to learn to adopt the international principle of unitization to ensure joint development of cross border resources.
Alh Kashim advocated the establishment of joint free trade zone and joint development in communities where resources straddles as a way of avoiding conflicts.
Earlier while declaring the workshop open, Vice President Namadi Sambo and Chairman National Boundary Commission,represented by Abba Moro, Minister for Interior,said following conflicts arising from cross border,efforts to encourage joint utilization and development of shared resources between states for the purpose of mutual economic gains and boosting peace, security and stability in border regions is being advocated, said the Federal Government attaches importance to improved border relationship.
Also in his speech, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State advocated the use of cross border cooperation between adjoining states adding that it will no doubt encourage cooperation and development between neighboring states as well as reduce tension associated with border resources.
In his opening remarks, Dr Muhammed Bose Ahmad, Director General National Boundary Commission disclosed that arbitrary delineation of borders by colonial masters and its attendant dislocation, has posed great challenges that are aggravated by multi dimensional crimes and conflicts across borders.
The two day workshop drew all state Deputy Governor who are Chairmen of State Boundary Committees and other participants in boundary issues from across the states of the federation.
The Kogi state delegates included the State Surveyor General, the Secretary State boundary committee,the Chairman of Ibaji Local Government and other top government functionaries from the State to the workshop.
The meeting ended with the presentation of a communique.
