The National Boundary Commission (NBC) today delivered an in-depth presentation on its accomplishments and ongoing challenges in managing Nigeria’s complex boundary issues.
The briefing was part of an oversight visit by the Senate Committee on States and Local Government Administration, led by Chairman Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe, highlighting NBC’s strategic role in ensuring national cohesion through effective boundary management.
During the presentation, NBC Director-General, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, emphasized the Commission’s primary objectives, which encompass preventing and resolving boundary disputes within Nigeria, fostering trans-border relationships, and coordinating with neighboring nations on international boundary issues.
Speaking the Director-General stated that the Commission’s mandate is both broad and essential, aiming to mitigate conflict through a multi-faceted approach of dispute prevention, boundary definition, and stakeholder engagement.
Surv. Adaji outlined NBC’s organizational structure, which includes seven specialized departments, such as Internal Boundaries, International Boundaries, Maritime Boundaries, Legal Services, and Research and Policy Analysis with six zonal liaison offices, located in Sokoto, Minna, Maiduguri, Lagos, Calabar, and Enugu which has enabled the NBC to engage effectively with regional stakeholders.
In his budget report for 2024, Surv. Adaji noted that only about 31.04% of the 2024 budget has been accessed and utilized as at September ending. The delay in releases pose a significant challenge to the timely execution of some of its core projects.
He however acknowledged the timely releases of the overhead and personnel budgets, which have attained about 75% as at the end of September.
Despite these budgetary constraints, the NBC has demonstrated resilience, making strides in addressing boundary issues within the resources available.
“We are committed to achieving our objectives even as we contend with limited funding,” Surv. Adaji remarked.
The NBC Boss highlighted promising outcomes in the Commission’s efforts to promote a practical understanding of boundary issues, distinguishing between the “logic of boundaries” and the “politics of boundaries.”
“States, local governments, and border communities are increasingly collaborating with the NBC, resulting in a more inclusive approach to resolving disputes” he added.
This shift, according to Surv. Adaji, underscores the effectiveness of engaging local communities in the NBC’s work.
Nevertheless, the Director-General noted some of the persistent challenges hampering progress, including outdated delimitation tools, limited sensitization at the State level, and the influence of local elites and traditional institutions. He also listed funding shortages, disputes over natural resources along boundary lines, and the lack of political will to enforce boundary decisions also continue to impede NBC’s mission.
Senator Yaroe commended the NBC’s dedication and expressed the committee’s commitment to providing necessary legislative support, particularly in addressing financial constraints and policy enforcement challenges.
He emphasized the committee’s expectation of budget discipline and statutory compliance, as well as the importance of involving technocrats in budget planning for 2025.
In closing, the Senate Committee commended the NBC for its efforts in fostering peace and national cohesion through diligent boundary management.
With enhanced collaboration between the NBC, government agencies, and local communities, both parties expressed optimism for sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s boundary issues.
Efe Ovuakporie
Head Information and Public Relations Unit
