Lagos State University (LASU) and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) are making history by co-hosting the African Borderlands Research Network (ABORNE) 2026 Conference in Nigeria for the first time, as stakeholders call for stronger collaboration to advance border governance across Africa.
The call was made on Monday, 24th August 2026, at the opening ceremony of the five-day conference holding at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja.
The conference, themed *“The Connected Borderlands, Socio-Cultural Integration, and the Centrality of Policy, Research, and Security”*, brings together scholars, policymakers and security practitioners to examine border governance, migration, security, trade and regional integration across Africa.
The Vice-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Distinguished Prof. Ibiyemi *OLATUNJI-BELLO*, mni, NPOM, in her address stated that borderlands must be understood as dynamic spaces where people, cultures, languages, markets and histories intersect. She noted that Lagos, with its strategic position along the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor, provides an ideal setting for the conversation.
Distinguished Prof. *OLATUNJI-BELLO* further stressed that effective border governance requires a balance between security, mobility, trade and regional integration, adding that LASU’s partnership with NIS and other stakeholders would help advance evidence-based policy and research. She also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to ensuring that knowledge generated in the classroom contributes to government and public policy.
In her address, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna *NANDAP*, highlighted the role of technology in modern border management. She noted that emerging threats require stronger intelligence and institutional capacity, highlighting Nigeria’s progress through enhanced e-passports, biometric systems, e-gates, surveillance and integrated data platforms.*NANDAP* stressed that technology must complement the professionalism and judgment of border officers and called for sustainable, African-focused approaches to border management.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman of ABORNE Chiefs, Prof. Paul *NUGENT*, highlighted the network’s growth and commitment to African-focused borderland research. He noted that borderlands are central to issues including migration, urbanisation, trade, climate change and security, stressing the need for research to address these challenges and inform policy.Delivering the keynote address, titled *“20 Years After Ciudad Juárez: ABORNE Ship Berths in Lagos”*, Prof. Anthony *ASIWAJU* reflected on his pioneering contributions to African borderland studies and highlighted the link between academic research and policy implementation, drawing on his doctoral research and subsequent role as the foundation Commissioner of the National Boundary Commission.He called for sustained engagement between scholars and border management agencies, particularly NIS, stressing that effective border management depends on continuous interaction between knowledge producers and practitioners.
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Olusola *SANWO-OLU*, represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hon. Tolani *SULE*, welcomed participants to Lagos and commended LASU, NIS and ABORNE for convening the international conference. He noted that Africa’s history of cross-border trade, intermarriage, shared cultures and social ties requires policies that balance national border interests with the aspirations of African integration.
Governor *SANWO-OLU* highlighted the role of universities in addressing real-world challenges through relevant research, quality education and partnerships with government and practitioners. He cited LASU’s Bachelor of Arts programme in Border and Migration Studies as a forward-looking initiative addressing security, economic development, trade, migration and cultural integration.
The Governor further noted that Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial hub and a major gateway for people, goods and ideas, requires the knowledge and expertise to manage mobility effectively. He urged stakeholders to develop evidence-based policies and equip young Africans to contribute responsibly to an increasingly interconnected continent.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi *TUNJI-OJO*, represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Policy, Dr Kareem *OLAJOKU*, highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to modernise border management through technology and the strategic importance of Lagos as a major hub for movement, trade and regional interaction.
Before declaring the conference open, Dr *TUNJI-OJO* urged greater recognition of border communities as partners in security, peace and development, stressing the importance of translating research into practical and sustainable solutions.
The five-day conference will continue with plenary sessions, roundtable discussions and engagements focused on border governance, socio-cultural integration, policy, research and security across Africa.
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