The Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Jatau, on Wednesday reiterated the state government’s position on boundary issues, calling for the immediate demarcation of boundaries to prevent conflicts and promote peaceful co-existence among border communities.
Jatau stated this during a stakeholders’ interface between border and boundary states and communities organised by the National Assembly in collaboration with Global Gold Consult at the Women Development Centre, Central Area, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
This was contained in a press release signed by Jack Tasha, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, (Deputy Governor’s Office).
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Governor stressed that Gombe State strongly supports prompt boundary demarcation to forestall potential bloodshed among neighbouring communities and to strengthen harmonious relationships. He noted that early demarcation would help avert disputes, particularly as the discovery of mineral resources in some areas could heighten tensions if boundaries remain undefined.
He expressed concern that nearly three decades after the creation of Gombe State, no single boundary has been fully demarcated, urging the National Boundary Commission and other relevant authorities to expedite action in resolving boundary issues in the interest of peace, stability and sustainable development.
“Tensions arising from internal boundaries, particularly inter-local government and inter-state borders, are often more complex and sensitive than international boundaries. Such issues require urgent and deliberate attention by the National Boundary Commission and legislative bodies to ensure lasting solutions,” the statement partly read.
Dr Jatau further highlighted the importance of legislation in strengthening boundary management, stressing that well-defined legal frameworks would provide clarity, reduce disputes and promote stability, underscoring the critical role of state governments, traditional institutions and community leaders in fostering dialogue, building trust and strengthening relationships among border communities to ensure peaceful coexistence.
Jatau added, “Effective engagement between government authorities and local populations will help resolve disputes amicably while promoting mutual understanding and development across boundary areas.”
The Gombe Deputy Governor, whose position was echoed by his counterparts from Ebonyi, Patricia Obila and Kaduna, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, observed that the annual stakeholders’ meetings would only be meaningful if practical steps were taken to implement resolutions reached at such forums.
The Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Patricia Obila, called for stronger synergy among security agencies managing border areas to enhance peace and security, while the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Hajiya Hadiza Balarabe, emphasised the need for robust collaboration between government agencies and host communities to address insecurity. She noted that Nigeria’s porous borders have contributed to the rise of terrorism and other criminal activities, making coordinated efforts essential
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on States and Local Government Administration, Senator Binus Yalwe, described the interface as an annual engagement organised by the National Assembly in collaboration with the National Boundary Commission and Global Gold Consult. He said the meeting was designed to provide a platform for dialogue among stakeholders with a view to building resilient boundaries and fostering peaceful coexistence among border communities.
Senator Yalwe urged participants to make meaningful contributions that would lead to practical solutions to boundary challenges across the country.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, commended the National Assembly for organising the forum and appreciated the participation of state governments in efforts aimed at strengthening border and boundary administration.
He described the theme of the interface, “Building Resilient Borderlands: Legislative Solutions for Security and Sustainable Development,” as timely and relevant to addressing contemporary border challenges. According to him, boundary lines are not merely geographical markings but realities that directly affect communities whose social and economic activities are closely interconnected.
He noted that border communities serve as gateways for trade, cultural exchange and regional integration, stressing that programmes aimed at strengthening border management are critical to national development.
Paper presentations at the event included contributions from the Executive Secretary of the Border Communities Development Agency, Dr. George D. A. Kelly, who spoke on the topic “Living on the Edge Realities: Challenges and the Future of Nigerian Boundaries.” Also, Dr. Faruk Alfa of the National Boundary Commission presented a paper titled “From the Peripheries to Strategic Frontiers: The Changing Nature of Borderlands and Mapping Border Security, Economic, Social and Environmental Threats and Assets.”
The presenters noted that Nigeria has over 3,000 border communities spread across 21 states and 105 local government areas, covering about 4,000 kilometres and seven international borders, with an estimated population of about 25 million people.
They observed that many border communities face poor livelihood conditions, inadequate infrastructure and limited access to basic social services, factors which often make them vulnerable to insecurity. They emphasised the need for deliberate development initiatives in such areas, noting that improving living standards, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening social services would significantly enhance border security and national stability.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening legislative frameworks, intergovernmental collaboration and community engagement as key strategies for promoting stability, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in Nigeria’s border and boundary communities.
