The federal government has called for stronger regional cooperation among Sahel countries to tackle terrorism, cross-border crime, violent extremism, economic and environmental challenges threatening peace and stability in the region.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr Sola Enikanolaiye, made the call on Saturday at a two-day high-level retreat on Nigeria’s engagement with countries in the region.
He said challenges such as terrorism, transnational crime, irregular migration, climate change, environmental degradation and humanitarian crises transcended national borders and required collective action.
The minister said diplomacy must remain central to Nigeria’s response through dialogue, confidence-building and increased economic cooperation.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to African solidarity, regional integration and peaceful coexistence, noting that developments in neighbouring countries had direct implications for Nigeria’s security and economic well-being.
Borno State governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, welcomed the choice of Maiduguri for the retreat, saying the state’s experience in tackling insurgency offered valuable lessons for regional cooperation.
Zulum called for stronger security cooperation, intelligence sharing, improved border management and economic integration.
He stressed that sustainable peace required more than military action, urging greater investment in good governance, education, economic empowerment, social inclusion and sustainable livelihoods.
The governor also called for regional and international support to restore the Lake Chad ecosystem and strengthen climate resilience.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Dunoma Umara, described the retreat as strategic, noting that the Sahel’s historical, cultural and economic ties with Nigeria made regional stability important to the country’s national security and prosperity.
He said the retreat is expected to deepen diplomatic engagement and develop practical strategies for promoting peace, security, economic integration and sustainable development across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
