Border Community Conflicts and Their Implications for Trade Relations in West Africa (2015?2024)

This study examines border community conflicts and their implications for trade relations in West Africa between 2015 and 2024. Border communities occupy a strategic position in regional economic interaction, yet they have increasingly become hotspots of insecurity arising from weak border governance, porous boundaries, competition over scarce resources, and the activities of armed non-state actors. Anchored on Border Regimes Theory, State Fragility Theory, and Human Needs Theory, the study analyses how governance failures, restrictive or poorly coordinated border controls, and unmet socio-economic needs interact to sustain conflict and disrupt cross-border trade. A survey research design was adopted, drawing data from security agencies, border management institutions, regional organisations, and selected border communities across Nigeria and neighbouring West African states. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and complemented with secondary sources, including official reports and academic literature. Descriptive statistical techniques were used for data analysis. The findings reveal that border community conflicts are strongly linked to weak state presence, inconsistent government policies, and competition over trade-related resources. Although cross-border trade shows some resilience and often continues despite tension, conflicts significantly disrupt trade by restricting movement, displacing residents, increasing insecurity, closing markets, and limiting access to essential goods and services. The study further finds that harassment, extortion, and violence against traders and residents undermine trust and cooperation among neighbouring communities, thereby weakening regional trade relations. The study concludes that border community conflicts and trade disruptions in West Africa are mutually reinforcing outcomes of fragile state capacity, ineffective border regimes, and persistent human insecurity. It recommends strengthening state governance in border areas, reforming border management practices, and prioritising the security and livelihoods of border communities to promote peaceful coexistence and sustainable regional trade integration.