The Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has called for stronger collaborations among universities, security agencies, regional institutions and development partners to strengthen border security, migration management and regional integration.
The Interior minister made the call in Lagos Monday where he declared open a 4 day conference of the African Borderlines Research Network ( ABORNE) 2026, with its theme ” The Connected Borderlands Socio-Cultural Intergration,and the Centrality of Policy,Research, and Security.
The conference had in attendance, Scholars, Policy makers, practitioners, and development partners whose focus was to examine issues surrounding Africa’s security, integration and development.
The Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo represented by his senior Special Assistant on Policy, Kareem Oladokun set the stage for further deliberations when he stressed the need for more evidenced based approaches to border management while ensuring that research remains responsive to practical realities.
He commended Lagos State University ( LASU) and ABORNE for co-hosting the conference describing the synergy as an example of how academic research and practical experience could address contemporary security challenges in the country.
Meanwhile the Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Services ( NIS) Kemi Nanna Nandap in her remark emphasized the need for a balanced approach to border management, one that protects national security while allowing for legitimate movement of people and goods across the region and continent at large.
It is their take home from here that with appropriate policies and investment, borderlands can become centres of commerce, cultural exchange innovation and regional development.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
