By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
The Borno State Government has said it would continue to enhance border cooperation with neighboring Niger Republic, particularly in the area of peace and security, economic and infrastructural development.
Governor Babagana Zulum stated this on Monday in Maiduguri, while declaring open The Local Bilateral Committee meeting of Nigeria- Niger Commission For cooperation from Borno- Yobe (Nigeria side) and Diffa Region (Niger Republic Side).
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that the meeting was hosted by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in collaboration with Borno State Government, under the Ministries of Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Duties led By Boss Gida Mustapha, The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Engr. Muhammad Kabir Wanori FNSE respectively.
The governor was represented by his Deputy, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur, who is also the Chairman Borno State Boundary Committee.
While welcoming the delegates to Borno, Governor Zulum informed them that his government has been harnessing the cooperation between the two countries, hence the need for Borno State Government under his leadership to support the continuation of the relationship.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, Mr Andrew David Adejo, thanked Gov Zulum for his efforts in hosting the meeting after twelve years.
There after, he welcomed all delegates within and outside Maiduguri for attending the program.
In his goodwill massage, the Secretary General NNJC, Ambassador Rabiu Akawu dwelt on the objectives of the Commission which includes enhancing border cooperation in the areas of peace and security, economy and infrastructural development.
“Recounted, the first meeting was held in 2012. This is the Second meeting that involved Borno-Yobe (from the Nigeria side) and l Diffa Region (from Niger Republic side) since the establishment of the Commission in 1999”.
For this, he appreciated Gov Zulum for providing enabling environment for the meeting to hold in Maiduguri.
Similar Goodwill massages were received from the delegates from the Government of Yobe through their state Deputy Governor, who was also represented by Hon Mohammed Alamin, the Commissioner of Information and that of Diffa Region from Niger Republic, represented by Yahaya Godi, the Secretary General of Diffa.
The Commissioner, Ministry for Intergovernmental Affairs and Special Duties, Vice Chairman of the Committee, Engr Muhammad Kabir Wanori FNSE, on behalf of the Chairman of Borno State Boarder Committee and the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur, gave vote of thanks and wished all delegates a safe stay in Maiduguri.
The meeting continued with technical sessions till today (Tuesday).
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