Badagry Local Government has once again demonstrated its strategic leadership in grassroots security governance as it hosted the inaugural edition of the Joint Border Security Committee Engagement Programme at the historic Badagry City Hall on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
The landmark engagement, organised in collaboration with Olorunda Local Council Development Area and Badagry West Local Council Development Area, convened traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, community leaders, and critical stakeholders within the Badagry border axis. The programme marked a significant step toward strengthening coordinated border governance, enhancing inter-agency synergy, and deepening community participation in security management.
Strengthening Border Security Through Strategic Dialogue
In his opening address, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, fMHR, commended the Joint Border Security Committee for initiating what he described as a “timely and strategic intervention” aimed at reinforcing security architecture within border communities.
The Chairman emphasized that border security is not solely the responsibility of enforcement agencies but a collective obligation requiring collaboration among security institutions, traditional authorities, and residents. He stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through structured dialogue, intelligence sharing, and coordinated operational strategies.
Acknowledging existing operational grey areas among security agencies, Hon. Hunpe expressed confidence that sustained engagement platforms such as the Committee would bridge gaps, eliminate duplication of duties, and improve overall efficiency. He further advocated for technology-driven security operations to enhance monitoring capacity, reduce operational bottlenecks, and minimise the proliferation of multiple highway checkpoints—thereby promoting smoother mobility for residents and legitimate cross-border trade.
Reaffirming the commitment of the local government, the Chairman assured the Committee and all relevant security agencies of unwavering institutional support in achieving harmonised border management and improved safety across the Badagry constituency.
A Coordinated Security Framework for the Border Axis
Speaking at the engagement, the Chairman of the Joint Border Security Committee and Comptroller of Seme Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, noted that the initiative evolved from previous Security Council deliberations and broader stakeholder engagements.
He explained that the Committee was established to institutionalise coordination among agencies operating within the border corridor, ensuring clearly defined operational roles and eliminating overlaps that may weaken effectiveness. According to him, regular consultation, intelligence sharing, and collaborative planning are essential to strengthening operational efficiency and restoring public confidence in security institutions.
Stakeholder Inclusion and Operational Feedback
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Event Planning Committee, Lt. Col. Ambrose Ikoro, Commanding Officer of the 243 Battalion, Ibereko, expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their prompt response despite the short notice. He highlighted the importance of having heads of security agencies present to receive firsthand feedback, clarify concerns, and reinforce open communication channels between institutions and host communities.
He also commended the Chairmen of the respective councils, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders for their continued dedication to maintaining peace and stability within the Badagry border communities.
Expert Insights on Border Governance
Delivering a lecture on the theme “State-Community Dialogue on Border Security Governance,” Dr. Willie Aziegbe Eselabor underscored the necessity of moving beyond enforcement-focused approaches toward participatory security governance models.
He articulated that effective border security demands trust-building, respect for human rights, community participation, and coordinated inter-agency frameworks. Dr. Eselabor described the Joint Border Security Committee as a strategic institutional platform capable of resolving grievances, strengthening cooperation, and fostering synergy between enforcement agencies and the public.
His presentation further emphasized that sustainable border governance must be built on accountability, transparency, and consistent engagement with affected communities.
Interactive Session and Collective Resolutions
The programme transitioned into a robust interactive session where stakeholders openly shared observations, concerns, and recommendations regarding border operations and community relations. Critical issues affecting intelligence flow, operational coordination, and public perception were extensively deliberated.
The session reinforced a collective resolve to promote structured engagement, accountability, and mutual respect among security agencies and residents. It also underscored the importance of community-based intelligence and trust-driven partnerships in addressing evolving security challenges within the border corridor.
A Defining Step Toward Sustainable Border Security
The inaugural Joint Border Security Committee Engagement Programme stands as a defining milestone in Badagry’s security governance journey. By institutionalising dialogue, harmonising operations, and strengthening state–community collaboration, Badagry Local Government continues to position itself as a proactive and responsive authority committed to safeguarding lives, protecting legitimate economic activities, and preserving peace within its border communities.
Through visionary leadership and inclusive governance, Badagry is steadily building a coordinated, technology-driven, and people-centered security framework-one that ensures the border remains not a vulnerability, but a pillar of stability and lawful prosperity.
