FG meets Niger, Kebbi to douse tension over boundary dispute

The Federal Government has begun a fresh move to end the lingering boundary dispute between Niger and Kebbi states.  The National Boundary Commission (NBC), led by Director-General, Surv. Adamu Adaji, convened a joint meeting in Abuja yesterday to address recent developments regarding the Kebbi/Niger interstate boundary. 

Despite previous attempts by the NBC in 2004 and 2008 to resolve the dispute, the 640 km-long Kebbi/Niger interstate boundary continues to pose challenges in parameter definition, escalating into crisis with grave consequences including loss of lives and property.

Adaji explained that before now, there had been relative peace between the two states until the recent development that necessitated the need for the Kebbi State government to write to complain of an encroachment on part of the Bagudo Local Council by people of Kwankwaso community of Borgu Local Council of Niger State. 

“Consequently, the state (Kebbi) called on the commission to resuscitate action towards ensuring that the boundary is defined and made identifiable on ground peaceful boundary regime between the two states,” he said.

In their responses, Kebbi State Deputy Governor, Abubakar Tafida and chairman of the State Boundary Commission, represented by the state Surveyor General, Idris Auna, appealed to the NBC to swiftly intervene in the dispute, stressing that there is heavy tension in the communities.

They warned that failure to take urgent actions by the Federal Government could spell doom for the two states.

“The way things are going, if NBC does not intervene, it would not be good,” the deputy governor said.  On his part, Niger State Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, represented by Special Adviser to the Governor on Boundary Issues, Sadiq Diggi, said they would study the submission of the other party and respond appropriately.