The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has reiterated its commitment to using legal documents as the primary basis for defining and demarcating interstate boundaries across Nigeria.
This assurance was given by the Director General of the Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, in Abuja when the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Her Excellency, Monisade Afuye paid him a courtesy visit.
Surv. Adaji emphasized that the NBC remains dedicated to a legal and systematic approach to boundary demarcation, despite the delays often caused by conflicting interests. He pointed out that these delays are frequently the result of parties insisting on the use of outdated references, such as footpaths, trees, rivers, and streams that no longer exist, rather than adhering to agreements reached during technical meetings.
He stated that the Commission will no longer tolerate the lack of cooperation from states in boundary resolution processes.
He therefore urged state governments to be fair and assertive in addressing boundary disputes within their jurisdictions, stressing the importance of political will in achieving lasting solutions.
The Director General also commended Deputy Governor Afuye for her proactive stance in pushing for the legal demarcation of the boundary between Ekiti and Ondo States, noting that her commitment should serve as a model for other states facing similar disputes.
In her remarks, Chief Mrs. Monisade Afuye reaffirmed Ekiti State’s dedication to peacefully resolving boundary disputes with its neighbours.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, Mrs. Afuye stressed the significance of cooperation and dialogue in addressing longstanding issues, some of which date back to the colonial era.
“The decision of the Government of Ekiti State to visit the National Boundary Commission today was a result of our experiences with numerous inter-town, inter-local government, and inter-state boundary disputes,” Mrs. Afuye said.
She highlighted recent efforts by the state to address these challenges, including the successful resolution of the dispute between Ogotun Ekiti and Ikeji Ile in Osun State after a high-level meeting with Osun State officials.
She however expressed concern over unresolved conflicts in some communities, such as the ongoing dispute between Eda Oniyo in Ekiti State and Obbo Ayegunle in Kwara State, which she said recently escalated into violence, resulting in the death of a youth from Eda Oniyo.
She also spoke about the challenges with Ondo State, particularly the dispute between Emure Ekiti and Supare Akoko, maintaining that Ondo State was violating historical agreements regarding the border at River Oyinmo.
Mrs. Afuye urged the NBC to establish a Monitoring and Evaluation Unit to ensure that decisions made during boundary resolution meetings are implemented promptly.
She noted that the delay in follow-up actions has allowed many issues to persist for years.
The Deputy Governor also advocated for a thorough examination of historical documents, maps, and treaties by the NBC to establish accurate boundaries, warning that the commercialization of land sales is exacerbating land disputes.
She commended the NBC for its efforts in maintaining peace and urged all involved parties to embrace compromise and trade-offs in the spirit of peaceful coexistence.
“It is my hope that with our resilience and sustained efforts, peace and tranquility will be restored in all our border communities in Nigeria,” she added.
Efe Ovuakporie
Head Information and Public Relations Unit
