News
Peaceful Co-Existence Between Nigeria Neighbors Our Priority-DG National Boundary Commission
…As FG Constructs 739 Intermediate Pillars On Nigeria -Niger Boundary
… Resolves 15 interstate boundary disputes
Joel Ajayi
The National Boundary Commission has revealed that the promotion of peaceful co-existence between Nigeria and her proximate neighbors as well as cross-border cooperation and regional integration remain the priority of the commission.
To this end, NBC said that 739 intermediate pillars have been constructed so far along the Nigeria-Niger boundary as it resolves 15 interstate boundary disputes in 2023
The Director General of the National Boundary Commission Adamu Adaji stated this on Wednesday in Abuja, during a Press Briefing/Media Parley to mark the end of the year, where he highlighted huge achievements record in the outgoing year.
According to him, the modest achievements of the year 2023 were however achieved notwithstanding challenges that included uncooperative attitudes of some border communities, lack of proper sensitization, misconception of the essence of boundaries, negative influences of elites, limited resources.”
“Our business is the management of Nigeria’s boundaries that include the internal boundaries between communities, between the local government areas, and between the states and the FCT.
“Our works also include the international land and maritime boundaries of Nigeria with our proximate neighbors.
“Our strategy concerning the internal boundaries is focused on dispute prevention, dispute resolution, boundary definition, and trans-border relation maintenance.
“These we pursue vigorously through searches for delimitation records, joint meetings of the states and the Commission officials, joint field investigations, physical tracing, and provisional demarcation on the ground.”
While highlighting the success recorded in 2023, the Director General said: The Commission, conducted field investigations and demarcation of seven interstate boundaries, including boundaries of the Federal Capital Territory with its neighbors.
“NBC provided some infrastructural facilities, such as market stalls and motorized boreholes along corridors of some interstate boundaries to promote trans-border cooperation and integration for peaceful coexistence.
“Also, a total of 2,214 pillars have so far been placed along the boundary in a series of contracts awarded as Lots with the last one concluded in 2022 as Lot 7.
“The commission conducted a sensitization campaign along the Borno State Sector, preparatory to the execution of Lot 8 contract expected to commence in February 2024.”
“So, far, a total of 128 main pillars out of the 148 inherited pillars have been reconstructed along the axis.”
Another achievement in the outgoing year, according to the DG, is the deposition of the African Union Convention on Cross-Border Cooperation at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Also, the Disputes Resolution Commission achieved significant results in resolving 15 interstate boundary disputes in 2023.
The commission equally constructed 739 Intermediate Pillars On Nigeria -Niger Boundary.
He identified some of the challenges as the uncooperative attitudes of some border communities, lack of proper sensitization, misconception of the essence of boundaries, negative influences of elites, and limited resources, among others.
However, DG thanked the media for their positive reportage of the commission and urged them to disseminate information that encourages unity in border communities and boundary matters: “We will continue to engage the media as one of our major stakeholders and seek your cooperation for accuracy in your reportage.”
News
Ogunlesi backs Tinubu reforms as FIRS chairman Adedeji highlights export-led economy
Joel Ajayi
After a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Nigerian-born global investor Adebayo Ogunlesi expressed renewed confidence in the country’s economic reforms, indicating potential mega investments across energy, aviation, and port sectors.
He was joined in that optimism by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who stressed that the reforms were laying the groundwork for an export-driven economy.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Ogunlesi praised the sweeping policy changes under Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of subsidies, tax reforms, and the revival of a refinery already exporting aviation fuel.
“We had an excellent meeting where we discussed how to put Nigeria front and center for international investment. The President was very encouraging, and we shared useful suggestions on driving economic growth,” Ogunlesi said.
Although he declined to reveal specific details, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and assessing new opportunities.
“Watch this space. Nigeria is not yet the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,” he teased.
Pressed on the sectors of interest, Ogunlesi highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewables. Drawing on his firm’s experience with LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he noted Nigeria’s massive untapped gas reserves.
On aviation, he acknowledged his reputation as “the guy who bought Gatwick Airport” and signaled interest in similar ventures locally.
He also admitted that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé but none in Nigeria, a point Tinubu reportedly challenged him on.
“He forgave me but said, ‘you have to bring port investment to Nigeria,’” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.
International investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie, who was also present, underscored the importance of diaspora participation in Nigeria’s growth story.
“When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in Nigeria, it sends a strong signal to the world,” he said, lauding Tinubu’s policies for making the country “investable.”
Echoing the sentiment, FIRS chairman Adedeji described the reforms as the foundation for an export-led economy.
“We’ve done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,” he said.
With global players signaling confidence, the momentum for Nigeria’s economic repositioning is gaining ground, setting the stage for transformative investments in key industries.
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