The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has intensified efforts to bring an end to the protracted Ekiti–Kwara interstate boundary dispute, declaring that the final demarcation of the 70-kilometre boundary now hinges on the submission of harmonised digital boundary maps by the two states.

 

The Commission disclosed that while it has completed the technical groundwork required for the final definition of the boundary, the process has stalled because Ekiti and Kwara States are yet to submit their jointly harmonised positions on the digitised maps earlier forwarded to them.

 

Director-General of the NBC, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, made the disclosure on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti during the Joint Meeting of Officials on the Ekiti–Kwara Interstate Boundary, describing the gathering as a decisive step towards ending decades of communal tensions and uncertainty along the shared border.

 

He said the Commission remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to peacefully define interstate boundaries, prevent conflicts and strengthen national cohesion through dialogue and technical engagement.

 

“The National Boundary Commission remains steadfast in discharging its constitutional responsibility to peacefully define interstate boundaries and promote harmonious relations among neighbouring communities.

 

Our objective extends beyond drawing boundary lines; it is about consolidating national unity, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for sustainable socio-economic development,” Adaji said.

 

The NBC’s DG explained that the existing Ekiti–Kwara boundary was inherited from the old Ondo–Kwara boundary and derives its legal basis from Legal Notice No. 126 of 1954, which formed part of the colonial-era boundary separating Northern and Southern Nigeria.

 

He noted that the Commission intervened because of recurring communal clashes in the affected border communities that have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of residents and persistent insecurity.

 

Adaji revealed that although substantial progress has been achieved through years of technical work, two major flashpoints remain unresolved—the Eda-Oniyo (Ekiti)–Obbo/Aiyegunle (Kwara) axis and the Erinmope (Ekiti)–Imoji, Ilofa and Odo-Owa (Kwara) corridor.

 

According to him, since 2002, the Commission has convened several Joint Meetings of Officials, deployed Joint Field Teams and carried out extensive boundary tracing using the provisions of Legal Notice No. 126 of 1954, authenticated historical maps, official records and relevant court judgments.

 

He recalled that during the last technical meeting held in Abuja in August 2024, stakeholders agreed that digitised boundary maps should be transmitted to both states for consultation, harmonisation and eventual adoption before the commencement of the final demarcation exercise.

 

Adaji, however, expressed concern that despite fulfilling its obligations by producing and forwarding the maps, the Commission is still awaiting harmonised reports from the two state governments.

 

“The Commission has fulfilled its obligations by producing and forwarding the digitised maps in accordance with previous resolutions. We are awaiting the harmonised positions of both states to enable us to proceed with the final definition and demarcation of the interstate boundary,” he stated.

 

He explained that the latest Joint Meeting was convened to resolve all outstanding issues, build consensus among stakeholders and agree on practical measures for concluding the exercise.

The Director-General urged the governments of Ekiti and Kwara States to provide adequate logistical and financial support to their respective State Boundary Committees to accelerate the process, while appealing to residents of the affected communities to remain peaceful and avoid actions capable of derailing the ongoing efforts.

 

He maintained that the successful conclusion of the exercise would permanently eliminate recurring disputes, strengthen security, improve governance, accelerate infrastructure development and unlock greater economic opportunities for communities on both sides of the boundary.

 

Representatives of the two state governments reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a peaceful, lawful and mutually acceptable resolution of the dispute.

 

The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Christianah Afuye, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Adeleke Adefolaju, and the Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Mr. Kayode Alabi, represented by Mr. Ayontola Malomo, commended the NBC for sustaining dialogue and providing an effective framework for resolving the lingering boundary dispute.

 

They pledged continued cooperation with the Commission and appealed to residents of the affected border communities to support the ongoing boundary definition process in the interest of lasting peace and development.