Here are 17 Nigerian states that share borders with other countries

Nigeria shares land borders with four countries, Benin Republic, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger Republic, across 17 states. These borders play a crucial role in trade, security, and cross-border relations, shaping the country’s economy, diplomacy, and regional stability.

While they facilitate economic growth and cultural exchange, they have also contributed to rising insecurity and transnational crimes, posing significant challenges to national security.

Here’s a breakdown of the Nigerian states that share borders with neighboring countries:

Adamawa – Cameroon

Located in northeastern Nigeria, Adamawa shares a border with Cameroon, fostering trade and cultural ties between both regions.

Akwa Ibom State – Cameroon

Akwa Ibom, in the South-South region, has a coastal boundary with Cameroon, contributing to maritime activities and cross-border interactions.

Benue State – Cameroon

Benue State, known for its rich agricultural land, shares a border with Cameroon, facilitating trade in food products and livestock.

Borno State – Cameroon, Niger, Chad

Borno has the most international borders, linking Nigeria with Cameroon, Niger, and Chad. It is a strategic location for regional security efforts. These International borders also contributed to the unending insurgency in the northeast region.

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Cross River State – Cameroon

Cross River, in the South-South region, shares a land and water boundary with Cameroon, making it a gateway for tourism and trade.

Jigawa State – Niger

Jigawa State, in the northwest, shares a border with Niger Republic, facilitating agricultural and economic exchanges.

Katsina State – Niger

Katsina has a long border with Niger Republic, playing a key role in regional trade and cross-border movement.

Kebbi State – Niger, Benin

Kebbi is unique as it borders both Niger Republic and Benin, making it a critical hub for trade and security collaboration.

Kwara State – Benin

Kwara, located in western Nigeria, shares a border with Benin Republic, influencing trade and cultural interactions.

Lagos State – Benin

Nigeria’s economic hub, Lagos, shares a coastal border with Benin Republic, making it an essential point for trade and migration.

Niger State- Benin Republic

Niger State, despite its central location, extends westward to share a border with Benin Republic.

Ogun State – Benin Republic

Ogun, an industrial state, shares a border with Benin Republic, allowing for significant cross-border economic activities.

Oyo State – Benin Republic

Oyo State’s border with Benin Republic facilitates agricultural trade and movement of people.

Sokoto State – Niger, Benin

Sokoto, in the far northwest, shares borders with both Niger and Benin, reinforcing its role as a key cross-border trade route.

Taraba State – Cameroon

Taraba, with its vast landscapes, shares a border with Cameroon, influencing local trade and cultural exchanges.

Yobe State – Niger

Yobe, in northeastern Nigeria, shares a border with Niger Republic, which impacts trade and security operations in the region.

Zamfara State – Niger

Zamfara also shares land border with the Republic Niger, fueling banditry and insecurity in the state.

Read also: How porous borders worsen Nigeria’s security challenges

These 17 Nigerian states play vital roles in cross-border trade, migration, and security collaboration with Nigeria’s four neighboring countries: Benin Republic (borders 7 states), Cameroon (borders 6 states), Chad (borders 1 state), Niger Republic (borders 7 states).