Abuja: The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has initiated a significant move to physically demarcate the boundary between Edo and Kogi states. Director-General of the commission, Mr. Adamu Adaji, revealed this development in Abuja during a joint meeting of officials focused on the Edo-Kogi inter-state boundary.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Adaji explained that the meeting aimed to evaluate the progress on the boundary activities and identify obstacles hindering fieldwork execution. This assessment will guide officials in establishing a clearly identifiable boundary for the bordering communities. The demarcation will involve both primary and intermediate pillars, placed at intervals of 2km and 200m respectively, with approximately 100 primary and 900 intermediate pillars required.
Adaji emphasized that maintaining a peaceful boundary regime necessitates collective efforts from federal, state, and local government levels. He expressed optimism that the meeting would yield impactful recommendations to expedite the final demarcation process. The Federal Government, through NBC, is committed to completing the boundary activities despite financial constraints, and will seek state support if needed.
The director-general noted that the Edo-Kogi boundary is part of the historical boundaries between the former Northern and Western regions, as described in the Legal Notice 126 of 1954. He highlighted challenges such as the correct interpretation of the boundary description, lack of proper sensitization by states, activities of some elites and traditional institutions, inadequate funds, and misconceptions about boundaries and natural resource control.
Adaji appealed to the states, traditional rulers, and stakeholders to foster brotherhood and peaceful coexistence to facilitate the demarcation process. He recalled past interventions, including a joint meeting in Benin City in September 2011, and mentioned the Internal Boundaries Technical Committee’s approval of the boundary alignment on February 28.
Deputy Governors of Edo and Kogi, Mr. Dennis Idahosa and Mr. Joel Salifu respectively, praised NBC’s efforts. Idahosa assured of Edo’s commitment to the demarcation, while Salifu urged the formation of an inclusive demarcation team, incorporating traditional institution representatives and other stakeholders.