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Tag: Boundary

  • NBC clarifies position on Rivers, Imo oil wells disputes

    NBC clarifies position on Rivers, Imo oil wells disputes

    The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has clarified its position on the oil well disputes between Rivers State and Imo State, stressing that there was no time it was interested in the disputes between the two states.

    NBC made the clarification, following an accusation of corruption made against the Commission by the Rivers State Government on the subsisting disputes between the two states.

    According to a statement made available to TheNewsGuru.com (TNG), the interstate boundary between Imo and Rivers had not been demarcated as a result of Rivers’ uncooperative attitude towards a peaceful resolution of the disputed portion.

    The Commission, therefore, denied any act of corruption in its conduct in respect to the Imo/Rivers interstate boundary.

    The statement reads: “As far back as January 2003, a joint meeting of official on the Imo/Rivers interstate boundary was held in Owerri to deliberate on the modalities of the demarcation but unfortunately both state were evidently not ready for the physical tracing and the provisional demarcation of the boundary.

    “The only success recorded was the decision on the relevant instruments for use on the boundary which were identified as: Aboh Toposheets 311, Aba Toposheets 32, Ahaoda Toposheet 320, Okigwe Toposheet 312, State creation Decree No.14 of 1967, and State creation Decree No.12 of 1976.

    “In its concerted efforts to carry out its core mandate of intervening, determining and dealing with boundary disputes, the NBC again held another meeting in October 2011 at Port Harcourt to review the previous efforts and come up with a new strategy for the tracing and demarcation.

    “Based on the uncooperative actions previously displayed by the states and some other states, the National Boundary Commission resolved never again to allow the apathetic nature of the states to impede on the Commission’s functions.

    “Consequently, the NBC resolved to pursue the agreements of the Joint Meeting of Officials held in Abuja in March, 2020 diligently. It was agreed at that meeting, that parties would meet on documents to be used and thereafter undertake sensitisation campaign preparatory to the field work.

    “In its characteristic manner, Rivers state again reneged on the agreement and refused to participate both in the screening and authentication of documents exercise and other agreed action including to partake in the physical fieldwork citing a pending court case on the issue of ownership of oil wells.

    “The Commission categorically made it clear to the Rivers state government that the case in court bothered on the case of the ownership on the Oil wells and had absolutely nothing to do with the NBC’s assignment to determine the interstate boundary between Imo and Rivers

    state.

    “Having earlier resolved that the Commission would no longer “wait on longer”, states that do not wish to participate before doing that which is necessary for peace to reign, the NBC proceeded with the conduct of its work of physical tracing and provisional demarcation of the Imo/Rivers boundary.

    “It is so unfortunate, that the River State Government choose not to understand the modus operandi of the commission.

    “The Commission’s function with respect to interstate boundaries includes;to intervene determine and deal with any boundary dispute that may arise among state, local government areas or communities with a view to setting the disputes.

    “The Commission is also to, define and delimitate boundaries between States, Local Government Areas or Communities in the Federation in accordance with delimitation instrument or documents established for that purpose. These function are carried out in close collaboration with State and Local Government Boundary Committee.

    “It is very worrisome that boundary lines which are intended for administrative convenience tend to be misconstrued or deliberately interpreted as impediments and divisions in some quarters.

    “We want to make it categorically clear that the NBC was never an interested party in the Oil wells disputes between Imo and Rivers as it is not our mandate and so we never joined as a party in the suit between the States. It is therefore very insensitive for anybody to accuse the Commission of any collusive actions when she is not an interested party in the case.

    “We vehemently deny any act of corruption in its conduct in respect to the Imo/Rivers interstate boundary and any other one for that matter and we wish to further reassure all parties and stakeholders that we will continue to engage all and remain focused in the fulfilment of our mandate”.

  • FG to demarcate FCT/ Niger, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa boundaries

    FG to demarcate FCT/ Niger, Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa boundaries

    The Federal Government has restated its commitment to demarcate the boundaries between the FCT and four neighbouring States.

    Mr Adamu Adaji, Director-General, National Boundary Commission (NBC), made this known in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said the Internal Boundary Committee of the Commission chaired by Mr Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Works and Housing, had met with the concerned states and okayed the process to begin.

    He said that the demarcation of the boundary was necessary to avoid conflict.

    “We met on Monday and the FCT Minister said he was in touch with the governors concerned and that they pledged their support for the exercise.

    “The FCT is bordered by Niger, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Kogi.

    “We have some uncertainties about the correct alignment of the boundary, because the gaps between the pillars in place to define the corner points boundary are far apart.

    “In some cases, you find pillars that are far as 80km apart. So we agreed that there is need to put more pillars,” he said.

    The NBC boss explained that the Commission had gone far with some other inter-state boundary issues across the country.

    He said the commission has completed tracing exercise for some states and the demarcation process will begin soon.

    “Be rest assured that the Commission is making progress and with the commitment of the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, we will do much more.

    “The Commission has fared better in terms of funding from the Federal Government and cooperation from the states.

    “Very soon we will have those boundaries properly defined.

    “Also, a boundary cannot serve its purpose until it is properly recognised on ground, and for you to do that, you must have markers on ground for people to know.

    “Also note that boundaries are not barriers or made to cause division of families and properties, it is just for administrative convenience,” Adaji said.

  • International boundaries: Nigeria is set to resolve all disputes with Benin Republic – NBC

    International boundaries: Nigeria is set to resolve all disputes with Benin Republic – NBC

    The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), Surv. Adamu Adaji has said that Nigeria is eager to resolve all the lingering disputes between Nigeria and the Benin Republic as this will further aid in the promotion of transborder cooperation between the two countries.

    The DG made this assertion at the opening ceremony of the Joint Standing Committee on the delimitation of the Nigeria/Benin Republic international boundary which was held in Abuja.

    Adaji averred that unlocking the developmental potentials of the Sub-Sahara States in Africa rest to a large extent on the determination and commitments made by the government of the States towards sustainable development.

    Adaji told the participants at the forum that the meeting was predicated on the need to resolve all outstanding boundary related disputes between Nigeria/Benin to create an enabling environment for the provision of infrastructure that will promote trans-border cooperation as well as develop facilities that will ensure socio-economic integration of the border dwellers.

    According to him, there is no doubt that the resolution of all boundaries related disputes would pave way for the enhanced collaboration in the execution of Joint Programmes which will promote the quality of life of our border communities.

    He enjoined participants to take far-reaching decisions and come up with recommendations that will not only help to attain sustainable development but also promote the excellent fraternal relationship between both countries.

    He recalled that the last meeting held in November 2020 at Ketou, Benin Republic had earlier agreed on a program of activities to be undertaken by the Joint Field Team.

    He explained that the aim of that meeting was geared towards the resolution of two critical thorny areas along the common border in Toungegi inland and in the Igbokofi/Towe sector.

    Adaji maintained that it is imperative that both countries advance further stressing that the bilateral relations between the two countries can never be compromised.

    “A demonstration of the cordial and brotherly relationship between Nigeria and the Benin Republic is the agreement to collaborate in the construction of a bridge across River Wara, near Tsamiya”

    “The two nations agreed to separately carry out the construction of components of the bridge, Nigeria has since completed the construction of her component of the project and I urge our Beninese brothers to as a matter of urgency conclude their part before the onset of the rainy season”

    The Director-General stressed the need for concerted efforts on the parts of both countries towards achieving sustainability, adding that all hands must be on deck towards creating an enabling environment along the boundary in order to secure the boundary’s integration and visibility at all times as the settlements along the boundary from Port-Novo lagoon to the shores of the Atlantic were fast sprawling up.

    He also urged the forum to give adequate attention to the Illo/Burgou sector of the boundary as well as the
    outstanding determination of the stretch of the boundary from Pillar 35 to the bank of River Niger.

    According to him, the tension with regards to the settlement of the Segbena/Kigbera sector is due to the question of the sovereign authority over the villages located along the boundary corridor.

    The DG reiterated on the need to remain focused whilst addressing the issue of delimitation in order to maintain the mutual bilateral agreement between the two countries which he said resulted in the 1960 description that has led to the consolidation of achievements recorded thus far including the pillars emplacement.

    On its part, the leader of the delegation from the Benin Republic, Dr Marcel Balgo, Director General of the Beninese Agency for Integrated Border Spaces Management gave his country’s commitment to closely working with the Nigeria government to ensure that both countries jointly benefit from the integration programmes of the German Corporation for International Corporation (GIZ).

    He gave his assurance that the session will arrive at pertinent conclusions that will give rise to transborder cooperation between Nigeria and the Benin Republic.

  • NBC to use tech for boundary management – Adaji

    NBC to use tech for boundary management – Adaji

    Disturbed by the slow pace of data collection in the management of Nigeria’s boundaries, the National Boundary Commission (NBC) is looking towards a more comprehensive means of keeping detailed data and effectively managing its boundaries.

    The Director General of the National Boundary Commission, Surv. Adamu Adaji made this disclosure in his office while receiving his colleague from the National Space Research Development Agency (NASRDA).

    Adaji stated that it is increasingly becoming difficult to successfully carry out its core interests mandate of determining its boundaries by relying only on the traditional method of data collection, which are sometimes influenced by human dispositions hence the Commission has decided to flow with the tide and embrace technology.

    “The use of satellite imagery will be an added impetus to Boundary management as it will help Boundary managers to keep track of the relevant data needed for boundary determination and definition”.

    “With the use of satellite we will not only be able to collect data to establish the boundary marks but we will also be able to immediately go into the field to commence demarcation thereby restoring peace to warring border communities”.

    “Our goal at the Commission is to ensure speedy resolutions of boundary disputes and stimulate economic growth and development in the affected areas”.

    We will count on your expertise to train boundary managers on how best to collect data to fast track the job.

    Partnership with a sister Agency will certainly aid in strengthening bonds and ensure lasting peace in warring communities.

    The task of determining boundaries without the relevant data from the local and state boundary committees can be very daunting it is hoped that with the introduction of the use of technology the task will be much easier as everyone will have an idea where the boundary line starts and ends.

    All Government Agencies and Formations have equal stakes at warring against the insecurity bedevilling our society and mapping out strategies of restoring peace and bringing development to the door steps of all its citizens and this can only be achieved when all critical Government Agencies agree to walk together in unity.

    Earlier, the Director General of the National Space Research Development Agency, Dr. Halilu Shaba said that he was at the NBC’s Corporate Headquarters with his management team to seek collaboration with the Commission on Border management.

    He stated that his Agency has developed a Satellite that would enhance effectiveness in boundary management.

    According to him, aside from boundary markings, auditing, mappings and monitoring, the Satellite can also help gather detailed information that will assist in the quick resolution of boundary issues “so that when you speak, you speak to evidences”.

  • Boundary crisis: NBC renews vigour to ensure peaceful co-existence between Akwa Ibom, Abia

    Boundary crisis: NBC renews vigour to ensure peaceful co-existence between Akwa Ibom, Abia

    In a renewed effort to establish lasting peace and reduce the fears of hostilities amongst border communities, the National Boundary Commission (NBC) in conjunction with the government of Abia and Akwa Ibom states have convened a confidence building conference.

    The conference is part of the strategies adopted by the NBC to promote strong ties amongst the communities dwellers that would give rise to peaceful coexistence between the states.

    Thd DG of the commission, Surv Adamu Adaji while addressing the conference emphasized the need for collaboration between the sister states in the areas of embracing practices and norms that would lead to enduring peace amongst the warring communities.

    Adaji stated that the inter-state boundary disputes between Abia and Akwa Ibom states dates back to several years this he stated caused the Federal Government to promulgate Decree 23 of 1985 in order to adjust the boundary on the recommendations of the ‘Kaloma Ali Boundary Ascertainment Commission.

    Despite the efforts of the Federal Government, he stated that “the differences in claims and counter claims in the boundary alignment and the general perception of the interstate boundary have tended to create antagonism between the people who have blood relationship.

    “The challenges of these conflicts is posing a major concern to the Federal Government, the National Assembly and all well meaning Nigerians”.

    The Director General opined that dealing with these challenges would require the collective resolve and commitment of all the parties involved.

    He further said that the lingering impasse has unfortunately exacerbated over the years resulting in wonton destruction of lives and property due to the delay in the resolution of the boundary.

    He reiterated that the Federal Government was committed and determined in permanently ending the impasse.

    He added that it is hoped that with this conference which is primarily aimed at propping up sincere, pragmatic result oriented ideas, cooperation would be built amongst the boundary settlers.

    “As a government Agency statutorily charged with the responsibility of resolving boundary disputes, we at the NBC strongly believe in the indivisibility of kiths and kind”. The Commission’s efforts over the years had been to reestablish the boundary in accordance with available documents,” he said.

    He therefore appealed for calm and the support of the affected communities and allow peace for the resumption of the scheduled activities urging that they should be guided as a people with common destiny to live together in unity and love.

    The Abia/Akwa Ibom interstate boundary is one of the volatile boundaries in the country and this has posed a high risk of threat to peace in the area.

    There have been recent reports of conflicts involving the people of Ikot Udo in Ika local government area of Akwa Ibom state and Akrika Obu in Ikea local area of Abia state.

    Also, indigenes of Nkari in Ini Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state have been at logger head with the people of Usaka Ukwu in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia state.

    Participants at the event include the Deputy Governor of Abia state, Hon. Sir Uke Odo Chukwu and his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Mr. Moses Ekpo, who are the chairmen of the boundary committee of their respective states.

    Others are states Commissioners, Aides to the Governors and Deputy governors, Local Government Chairmen, Ward Counsellors, religious leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders, youths amongst others.

  • Edo Govt. gives warring communities one month ultimatum

    Edo Govt. gives warring communities one month ultimatum

    Edo Deputy Gov. Philip Shaibu has given communities in four local governments across the state one month ultimatum to amicably resolve all disputes.

    Shaibu, also the Chairman, Edo state Boundary Committee, said this during a meeting with the representatives of affected communities at Government House, Benin on Wednesday.

    He explained that Gov. Godwin Obaseki gave his committee a clear mandate to ensure that all land disputes between communities and local governments within the state were resolved by the end of next year.

    “The best way to achieve peace is when both parties in a dispute amicably agree on a compromise, rather than allowing judgment which always favours one person and breeds hatred in the other.

    “Edo government is committed to ensuring that peace reigns in all communities in the state.

    “It is the consensus of the clan heads that government should do a demarcation of disputed areas for clear understanding of boarder areas.

    “Let me warn that failure to resolve the problem within the stipulated time will amount to risking forfeiture of such land,’’ he said.

    The affected local governments are Oredo, Uhunmwonde, Etsako East and Etsako Central.

     

  • Boundary dispute: Edo, Delta call for urgent demarcation of land

    Boundary dispute: Edo, Delta call for urgent demarcation of land

    The Edo and Delta governments on Tuesday called on the National Boundary Commission to urgently demarcate the disputed land between both states.

    The call was made in a communiqué issued after a meeting between the two states’ boundary committees led by their deputy governors at the Edo Government House in Benin.

    The meeting was called by the Edo government following series of attacks on border communities in Orionmwon and Esan South East Local Government in Edo and Ethiop East, Ika South East and Ukwani Local Governments of Delta.

    Edo Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu and his Delta counterpart, Mr Kingsley Otuaro stressed the need for the National Boundary Commission to urgently carry out physical demarcation of the disputed areas.

    Shaibu harped on the need for both states to call on the commission to carry out the final demarcation of the boundary between Edo and Delta.

    He urged communities in the border areas of both states to embraced peace, while the commission should carry out the demarcation of the boundary between both states without further delay.

    Delta deputy governor said that there was need for both states to abide by the various decisions of past joint meetings of Edo and Delta as they relate to maintaining of status quo.

    He said that boundary meetings for dispute resolution could only be done with the active participation of the national boundary commission, hence the need to expedite action on the resolution of the boundary between both states.

    Both states reached an agreement during the meeting and constituted a joint committee comprising the attorney general, surveyor general, deputy chiefs of staff and commissioners of police of both states and local government chairmen of the disputed areas.