News
Inter-state Boundary Resolution: NBC Calls For Peace And Progress
Joel Ajayi
The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) Surv. Adamu Adaji has called for peace and progress in the resolution of interstate between Abia and Akwa Ibom States.
Adaji made this call at a Stakeholders meeting on the Abia/Akwa Ibom interstate boundary resolution held in Abuja.
The meeting underscores the Commission’s commitment to achieving a peaceful and definitive settlement.
“This meeting is a crucial step toward fostering understanding and cooperation between Abia and Akwa Ibom States,” the Director-General stated.
He acknowledged the complexities involved in resolving the decades long dispute, which has seen repeated interruptions due to local tensions and legal entanglements.
The Director-General highlighted the NBC’s determination to creating a harmonious solution, one that respects the historical and legal boundaries while prioritizing the safety and development of border communities.
The boundary dispute, rooted in the implementation of Decree 23 of 1985, has been marked by instances of hostility, waton destruction of lives and properties, and abductions, notably in regions where the field tracing exercise was stalled in 2014.
The Akwa Ibom State Boundary Committee expressed grave concerns over recent escalations, including fatal incidents affecting the Nkari people of Ini Local Government Area (LGA) and allegations of encroachment into farmlands in Obotme.
In her response, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, called for calm among affected communities, urging boundary community dwellers to avoid retaliatory actions whilst assuring them of ongoing efforts to resolve the matter peacefully.
The Akwa Ibom delegation presented a position paper outlining the state’s stance and a set of recommendations aimed at expediting the resolution process.
These recommendations include strict adherence to delimitation protocols and improved oversight of field team conduct to prevent further disruptions.
Echoing the call for decisive action, Engr Ikwechkwu Emetu, Deputy Governor of Abia State, expressed optimism for the meeting’s outcomes.
He addressed the lingering issues and called for the recovery of essential field documents lost over time, stressing the importance of these materials to accurately demarcate the boundary.
The Deputy Governor also highlighted the need for a distinct categorization of disputes, distinguishing genuine boundary claims from requests for boundary adjustments.
With both states aligning on the urgency of a resolution, the NBC is expected to facilitate constructive dialogue in line with recommendations from previous joint meetings.
The Director-General concluded his address by reaffirming NBC’s role as a neutral body committed to justice and fairness, pledging that the Commission will implement the findings of this meeting to end the dispute and foster lasting peace in the affected areas.
The outcome of the Abuja meeting will be pivotal, with all parties hopeful for an agreement that finally puts an end to decades of contention, allowing both Abia and Akwa Ibom States to move forward in unity and prosperity.
The meeting brought together key representatives from both states to address the persistent boundary dispute affecting Abia and Akwa Ibom communities.
News
Boundary Commission Rolls Out 2025 Strategic Plan For Boundaries Resolution For Economic Prosperity
Joel Ajayi
National Boundary Commission NBC has outlined its strategic priorities for disputed areas in 2025, focusing more on boundary resolution that it believes will bring economic prosperity and promote peaceful coexistence, as well as to drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions.
The plan includes deployments of drones, advanced geospatial technologies, Expand Public Awareness Campaigns, Strengthen Grassroots Conflict Resolution Mechanisms mapping tools to improve accuracy and efficiency in boundary management in the country for the coming year.
The Director-General of the commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, who was represented by Dr the Director of Internal Boundaries Dr Bulus Emmanuel, at the 2024 end of year media briefing in Abuja, said that the commission had partnered with key organisations to enhance technology integration in boundary management.
He stated that boundaries are instruments of unity, growth, and development to build bridges of cooperation, ensuring peaceful coexistence, as well as means of unlocking the full potential of nation and region.
While rolling out vision for the year ahead, Adaji expressed; “As we look forward to the future, the NBC is committed to expanding its impact and ensuring sustainable management of Nigeria’s boundaries. Our strategic goals for 2025 include:
“Accelerate the Resolution of Boundary Disputes: Strengthen collaborations with state governments, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to expedite dispute resolution and foster lasting peace.
“Expand Public Awareness Campaigns: Roll out nationwide sensitization programs to educate citizens on the importance of boundaries in fostering unity and national development.
“Strengthen Grassroots Conflict Resolution Mechanisms: Equip local leaders and boundary communities with tools for resolving conflicts amicably and sustainably.
“Enhance Technological Integration: Invest in advanced geospatial technologies, drones, and mapping tools to improve accuracy and efficiency.
“Promote Regional and International Cooperation: Advance cross-border agreements to enhance security, stimulate trade, and foster regional integration under the AfCFTA.
“Bolster Capacity Building Initiatives: Organize specialized training sessions on maritime law, conflict resolution, and boundary management.
“Operationalize the Extended Continental Shelf: Develop a roadmap for sustainable exploitation of maritime resources in compliance with international laws.
“Strengthen Data Management Systems: Collaborate with NASRDARMFAC (REVENUE MODEL) and other agencies for a harmonized geospatial database amongst others.
He used the occasion to reflect on NBCs achievements; ” The National Boundary Commission (NBC) remains steadfast in its mandate to resolve boundary disputes, promote peaceful coexistence, and drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions.
“The resolution of interstate boundary disputes remained a top priority for the NBC and in 2024, we made significant strides in the following areas: Interstate Boundary Department: Boundary Delimitation and Demarcation,
“The Anambra/Enugu Boundary disputes saw the introduction of an innovative and dynamic approach otherwise known as the “Anambra/Enugu Home grown Formula,” being introduced to resolve the interstate dispute between the sister states leveraging local engagement and political will to advance the demarcation process.
“Benue/Nasarawa Boundary: We successfully revived stalled pillar emplacement projects by harmonizing historical records and facilitating renewed dialogue between stakeholders.
“Kebbi/Niger Boundary: Technical committees were established to evaluate historical documents and execute boundary tracing setting the stage for peaceful resolutions.
“Field and Technical Exercises: Our team conducted extensive verification and alignment exercises on boundaries including Gombe/Taraba, FCT/Nasarawa, the Enugu/Kogi and determination of the Ekiti/Ondo/Osun tripartite point.
“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to ensuring accuracy, fairness, and peaceful coexistence along Nigeria’s interstate boundaries.
NBC also recorded successes in International Boundaries resolution as the Nigeria-Benin International Boundary, Nigeria-Niger International Boundary, Nigeria-Cameroon International Boundary and Community Resettlement Projects were carried out with great success.
Speaking on the Challenges Adaji said, despite these successes, challenges such as limited resources, insecurity in certain regions, and stakeholder resistance continues to pose huddles.
He commended the Federal Government, State governments, traditional rulers, development partners, and our border communities for their unwavering support as well as the Media for their unwavering support and for playing a critical role in disseminating accurate information and fostering.
He assured that, the NBC remains steadfast in its mandate to resolve boundary disputes, promote peaceful coexistence, and drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions
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