Nigeria Works on Free Movement While Ensuring Security

The federal government wants to find a way to balance the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement with security needs. They plan to improve how they profile, document, and monitor people crossing the borders.

Adamu Adaji, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), shared this in a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

Mr Adaji explained that free movement should not stop the authorities from knowing who comes in and out of the country. He mentioned that the ECOWAS Protocol allows the movement of goods and people. However, border agencies must still monitor activities within Nigeria’s borders.

"People who enter and leave should be properly profiled and documented, even though they have the right to free movement," he said. He added that authorities need to know the identities of travelers and the reasons they come to Nigeria.

He emphasized that security agencies working along the borders should improve their monitoring. This is to make sure that legal movement does not create chances for criminal activities.

Mr Adaji named terrorism, kidnapping, and arms smuggling as security issues linked with Nigeria’s border areas. He pointed out that illegal routes are still a problem and urged authorities to identify and track people using those paths.

The NBC boss called for more efforts to reduce and eventually stop illegal crossings. He suggested better surveillance and stronger teamwork among different agencies.

Mr Adaji mentioned that Nigeria has set up a Cross-Border Cooperation Platform. This is to improve understanding, share information, and exchange intelligence with neighboring countries.

He said this platform aims to encourage Nigeria and its neighbors to work together to secure their lands. Effective border management should allow security agencies to use technology, including cameras and surveillance systems, to monitor tough areas.

The director-general also pointed out that border communities play a key role in spotting and reporting activities that could harm national security. He believes these communities should get support in terms of infrastructure to help them work with the authorities and feel included.

Mr Adaji stressed that border management should support security, trade, and lawful migration according to the ECOWAS framework. He noted that having clear boundaries would help security agencies keep track of activities without blocking legitimate cross-border movement.

He insisted that better coordination among agencies and neighboring countries is crucial for achieving this balance.