BY KHALID IDRIS DOYA, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has noted that boundary disputes have historically been a source of tension and conflict, not just in his state but across the nation, as these disputes can disrupt communities, impede development, and create an atmosphere of mistrust.
The Governor told the boundary Managers that their work is not merely administrative, but also fundamentally about fostering peace, promoting cooperation, and ensuring harmonious coexistence of our diverse communities, hence the need to craft strategies that not only address existing disputes but also prevent future conflicts.
The Governor who was Wednesday speaking while declaring open a two-day sensitization workshop for boundary managers for Bauchi and its neighboring states opened in Bauchi, assured that his administration is fully committed to supporting the efforts of the National Boundary Commission in performing its responsibilities.
Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Auwal Mohammed Jatau commended 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.
“We recognise the importance of collaborative action in achieving sustainable solutions. Our administration would continue to give the necessary support to sustain this mutually beneficial partnership. We understand that effective boundary management requires not just policy but proactive engagement, dialogue, and a commitment to community involvement.”
He said, “I would like to posit that no community or State can survive or flourish without the active support and cooperation of one another. Therefore, the need for peaceful co-existence among us cannot be over emphasized”.
Speaking earlier, the Director General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji said that the workshop brought together managers of boundary affairs and other relevant stakeholders to, among other things, share experiences and best practices in boundary management with the boundary states.
They are also to poster dialogue and collaboration among neighbouring states along internal boundaries in Nigeria in order to fast track peaceful resolution of boundary disputes, as well as sensitize states and affected local government areas on the imperative of synergy in the boundary management business.
Surveyor Adamu Adaji gave some of the reasons for boundary disputes to include inadequacy of delamination instruments, lack of proper sensitization of states, activities of elites/traditional rulers, and wrong perception of boundaries.
Adaji therefore called on states to establish their respective state and local government boundaries to fast track the resolutions of boundary disputes, demarcation of the boundaries and promotion of cross border cooperation.
