Birni-N’Konni, Tahoua region – On 11 July, the Governor of Tahoua, regional directors of the police, customs, environment, and health services, high-level representatives from the United States and the United Kingdom embassies, along with representatives from Sokoto state in Nigeria and the chiefs of missions of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Niger and Niger, officially inaugurated the Konni-Illela pilot integrated border post and the Eroufa police border post in the Tahoua region, situated along the Niger-Nigeria border.

“The Niger-Nigeria border, one of the longest in Niger, encompasses a densely populated area with extensive trade and migration routes,” says Sophie Nonnenmacher, IOM Niger Chief of Mission.

“These new facilities will contribute to the regular movement of people and goods across borders thus contributing to safer and more orderly migration, and regional integration and cross-border trade,” she added.

The Konni-Illela pilot integrated border post, built and equipped with funding from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the U.S. Department of State, is an inaugural initiative of its kind. The facility, located in the Birni-N’Konni department, embodies the " integrated border management" concept, hosting the national police as well as water, forestry and health structures.

Built with funding provided by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the new Eroufa border post and its facilities, located in the Madaoua department, will enable the police to meet national and international norms, fulfilling the necessary security and safety standards.

“The two new border posts exemplify an integrated approach to managing all Nigerien services, effectively addressing the resurgence of criminal networks in the Tahoua region,” stated Issa Moussa, the Governor of the Tahoua region. “They serve as a testament to the ongoing efforts of the Government of Niger in creating a secure and efficient border environment that contributes to the overall economic development and regional stability”, he added.

Through the inauguration of the two border posts, IOM provides continuous support to the Directorate for the Surveillance of the Territory (DST) of the National Police in their efforts to improve border management. This includes implementing relevant legal reforms, streamlining operations, and enhancing technical resources.

The new border posts aim to enhance collaboration between the DST, border management agencies, and counterparts in neighboring countries, vital for integrated border management. This approach improves cooperation at three levels: intra-service, inter-agency, and international.

This approach streamlines customs and immigration processes, facilitates timely information sharing, reduces waiting times, enhances cross-border activity detection, and aligns with the African Union strategy for better integrated border governance.

The inaugurations were conducted as part of two projects: "Haske DST II: Strengthening DST Headquarters and Integrated Border Management Capacities at Southern Borders to Fight Transnational Crime," funded by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the U.S. Department of State, and "CATS - Enhancing cross-border cooperation in border management and combating human trafficking between Niger and Nigeria," funded by the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

For more information, please contact Aïssatou SY, Public Information Officer, tel: +227 8006 6531, aisy@iom.int