The Republics of Nigeria, Benin and Niger have signed an agreement to bolster cross-border cooperation among the three countries.
The agreement was signed and sealed in Birnin Kebbi, at the validation of the holistic programme for the development of the Kado cross-border area.
The meeting which was held on Dec. 1, was attended by the delegations of the Federated States of Kebbi, Nigeria, the Department of Alibori, Benin, and the Region of Dosso, Niger.
The historic meeting was also attended by officials of the National Boundary Commission, ECOWAS, other donors and technical partners.
Dr Faruk Musa of the National Boundary Commission of Nigeria said the agreement was aimed at building on the objectives of the multilateral cooperation existing among the three countries.
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Musa further said that part of the resolutions was to strengthen the development of the area known as ” Kado – Kebbi, Alibori and Dosso’, with the support of inter-governmental organisations and other partners.
Musa said, ”They are also committed to making Kebbi, Aliboro and Dosso cross-border area, as a shared development space.
Musa also said that there would be support for activities in favour of livestock mobility, between and within different territorial entities of Kado.
Musa also said the resolutions include the launch of an appeal to technical and financial partners and inter-governmental organisations.
This, he noted, is to continue the efforts to revitalize the Kado cross-border consultative framework.
The Kebbi State Governor, Senator Atiku Bagudu, acknowledged the cordial relations that have been existing among them.
The Governor outlined some of the numerous interventions of his administration, to better the lives of Fulanis.
The Representative of ECOWAS, Mr Alain Traore, said it was committed to assisting in ensuring that the agreement was religiously implemented by providing both financial and technical support.
The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission of Nigeria, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, said the programme is apt, owing to the security challenges arising from conflicts between herders and farmers across West Africa and the Sahel.
According to him, pastoralism is the main source of livelihood for a large population in West Africa and contributes greatly to the economy of the region, hence the need to give top priority to the projects.
The Governor of Dosso, Niger Republic, Albachir Aboubakar and that of Alibori, Benin Republic, pledged to implement the resolutions signed, for the betterment of their people.
Editor: Ena Agbanoma
