Governor BalaTask Boundary Experts on Strategy, Commend NBCs Effort on Border Management

By Adamu IMAM, Bauchi 

Governor BalaTask Boundary Experts on Strategy, Commend NBCs Effort on Border Management 

By Adamu IMAM, Bauchi 

Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed of Bauchi State has recently reiterated his determination in finding a lasting solution to resolve border dispute and prevent future escalation of conflicts between the northern states that make up the three zones.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day sensitisation workshop for Boundary Managers in Bauchi and neighbouring states of Gombe, Taraba, Plateau, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Yobe held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi, 

He observed that the work of Boundary Managers is not merely administrative, but about fostering peace and promoting cooperation amongst the diverse communities. 

Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, Governor Bala Mohammed stressed the need for stakeholders to work collectively and diligently to ensure that boundaries reflect not just lines on a map, but the unity and strength of border communities.

He described sensitisation workshop especially for Boundary managers as key to achieving the good result by equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of boundary management and  saying that the workshop underscores the commitment of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) towards carrying stakeholders along in finding solution to boundary issues.

"As you are aware, Boundary disputes have historically been a source of tension and conflict, not just in our state but across the nation. These disputes can disrupt communities, impede development, and create an atmosphere of mistrust. I commend the NBC for harnessing our collective capacity to be deployed to mitigate conflicts before they escalate, thereby ensuring that our communities coexist harmoniously for their socioeconomic development.

"This workshop therefore engender sharing of this information among participants towards understanding and resolving boundary issues effectively. I would like to posit that no community or State can survive or flourish without the active support and co-operation of one another. Therefore, the need for peaceful co-existence among us cannot be over emphasized,"

The Governor noted that since the coming of his administration in 2019, it has been rendering support to the State Boundary Commission with a view to ensuring that emerging border disputes are addressed amicably.

He recalled that, the National Boundary Commission in collaboration with the two States of Bauchi/Gombe has successfully demarcated Sector I boundary where 51 Main Boundary Pillars were emplaced while work has commenced in Sector II (Darazo, Ganjuwa, Kirfi/Dukku) where 13 Main Pillars were emplaced. 

He also said, out of 1,634 kilometres of the boundaries with neighbours, 1,159 kilometres were agreed and resolved, while 478 kilometres still remains as disputed areas, which by grace of God will also be resolved and demarcated.

Governor Bala Mohammed assured that the state government is fully committed to supporting the efforts of the National Boundary Commission as it recognizes the importance of collaborative action in achieving sustainable solutions.

" I would like to commend the efforts of the National Boundary Commission for the recent Technical Meeting of experts on Bauchi/Gombe and Bauchi/Jigawa Interstate Boundary held at the NBC Headquarters in Abuja in an effort towards the delineation of the boundaries of Bauchi and its neighbouring states."

On his part, the Director General of the National Boundary Commission, (NBC), Surveyor Adamu Adaji explained that the workshop is part of ongoing efforts to fast track peaceful resolution of boundary disputes and called for support to the commission for a prosperous borders in the country.

In a welcome address, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Hajiya Amina Katagum said the theme of the workshop which is "Towards a Peaceful and Prosperous Borders," resonates deeply with the readiness of the Bauchi State Government towards ensuring peaceful coexistence among communities for a peaceful borders.