The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Adamu Adaji, has shed light on the lingering boundary disputes between Edo and Kogi states. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Adaji revealed that despite technical and administrative efforts producing an approved boundary line, its implementation has faced resistance from communities along the corridor. The disputes have been ongoing, with the commission encountering challenges in establishing the boundary on the ground.
According to Adaji, the Edo-Kogi boundary was defined under Legal Notice No. 126 of 1954, which established the boundary between the Northern and Western Regions. However, some physical features referenced in the document have disappeared over time, making it difficult for experts to accurately trace the boundary. This has led to subjective judgments in determining the boundary, with both states laying claims to different areas. Adaji recalled efforts dating back to 2006 to establish the boundary.
The NBC boss disclosed that technical experts attempted to interpret historical documents, but the disappearance of landmarks introduced subjective judgment into determining the boundary. This has led the parties to continue laying claims in different areas. The commission considered the claims of both states and eventually produced a line regarded as the boundary between Edo and Kogi. The proposed boundary was subsequently approved by the Internal Boundary Committee.
The approved boundary line paved the way for its physical demarcation; however, the exercise encountered resistance when the contractor moved to establish the approved boundary on the ground. Communities along the corridor objected, arguing that the proposed line did not correspond with their understanding of the boundary. The affected communities consequently resisted the demarcation, prompting the commission to engage stakeholders and seek broader agreement.
Adaji revealed that the parties met again earlier in the year to determine how the approved boundary could be physically established and assess its implications. However, the agreement was challenged after some parties withheld full cooperation and presented documents indicating possible changes to the boundary. Some documents included court judgments that had not previously been brought to the commission's attention.
The NBC boss emphasized that the Edo-Kogi boundary process remained ongoing, adding that the commission had agreed to commence demarcation when resources became available. The commission is currently examining the issues and engaging the states to arrive at a common understanding. Adaji expressed hope that a resolution would be reached soon.
Meanwhile, Adaji disclosed that the commission recorded progress on the Abia-Anambra boundary, with 15 kilometers of the 23-kilometer stretch already agreed upon. The commission's efforts to resolve boundary disputes continue, with a focus on engaging stakeholders and seeking broader agreement.
Key points
- The Edo-Kogi boundary disputes are due to vanished landmarks, competing claims, and community resistance.
- The National Boundary Commission has produced an approved boundary line, but its implementation faces resistance.
- The commission recorded progress on the Abia-Anambra boundary, with 15 kilometers of the 23-kilometer stretch already agreed upon.
