Dr. Bonny Abisogun Botoku, Permanent Secretary of the Nigeria-Benin Republic Inter-Border Forum, called for increased diplomacy and the application of cultural ties to settle ongoing border disputes. He spoke during a training programme organized by the Edo-Delta Journalists Association held on Wednesday in Ogolor, Port-Novo, Benin Republic.
Addressing the movement of people across the boundary, Dr. Bonny Abisogun Botoku stated, "Free movement does not mean that we should not know who is coming into the country, what they are coming to do and how long they intend to stay." Regarding mediation, he added, "Traditional institutions possessed valuable knowledge of local customs, community relationships and historical grievances that could help resolve disputes without force." These remarks emphasize a preference for community-led dialogue between Nigeria and Benin Republic.
Leveraging Traditional Cultural Ties
Dr. Bonny Abisogun Botoku has served as a permanent secretary for the Nigeria-Benin Republic Inter-Border Forum since 2012. His tenure in this role involves oversight of administrative efforts to manage border relations and facilitate dialogue between the two nations. Since Dr. Bonny Abisogun Botoku became a permanent secretary in 2012, he has focused on utilizing established local structures to maintain stability. The integration of these traditional systems is seen by the Nigeria-Benin Republic Inter-Border Forum as a vital mechanism for long-term peaceful coexistence.
Economic pressures at the border remain a significant concern for regional authorities. Abdullhamid Ibrahim, the Acting Controller of the Ogun 1 Area Command, stated that smuggling deprives the Federal Government of import revenue. He noted that the influx of unverified goods undermines official trade channels and local production capabilities. The Acting Controller of the Ogun 1 Area Command, Abdullhamid Ibrahim, stated that smuggling deprives the Federal Government of import revenue, noting the fiscal challenges faced by the agency.
Price disparities between domestic and imported items contribute to the persistence of these illicit trade routes. Abdullhamid Ibrahim cited an example where a locally manufactured carton of spaghetti costs N5,000, while smuggled versions are sold for N3,000. This price difference incentivizes the movement of goods through unauthorized crossings, complicating efforts by the Ogun 1 Area Command to regulate trade flows.
The Ogun 1 Area Command continues to face challenges in monitoring the vast stretches of the border. Abdullhamid Ibrahim emphasized that the mandate of the Ogun 1 Area Command includes the protection of local markets from the destabilizing effects of unverified imports. By focusing on the economic impact of these price differences, the Ogun 1 Area Command aims to highlight the necessity of stricter adherence to official import protocols. Dr. Bonny Abisogun Botoku and Abdullhamid Ibrahim both acknowledge that the complexities of the border require a multifaceted approach, combining cultural diplomacy with rigorous enforcement of trade regulations to ensure the economic and social stability of the regions adjacent to the Nigeria and Benin Republic border.
