The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has announced plans to deploy drones, advanced geospatial technologies, and mapping tools to enhance boundary management accuracy and efficiency across the country in 2025.
During the 2024 end-of-year media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Director-General of the commission, Mr. Adamu Adaji, represented by Dr. Bulus Emmanuel, Director of Internal Boundaries, highlighted the commission’s partnership with key organizations to integrate technology into boundary management.
He emphasized that the NBC had heavily invested in training and capacity-building programs in 2024 to ensure the success of the initiative. These programs, he noted, focused on modern boundary management techniques and the application of advanced technologies, including a Performance Management System.
“The members of staff have acquired skills to enhance operational efficiency and accuracy in boundary surveys, demarcation activities, and stakeholder engagement,” Adaji stated.
The Director-General also mentioned that the NBC had prioritized research and policy analysis to support evidence-based decision-making, with significant progress in the digitization of the commission’s library and modernizing archival practices for easier access to critical historical and legal documents.
“Comprehensive studies were conducted along key boundaries, primarily Osun/Ogun and Adamawa/Taraba, providing vital insights into cultural and socio-economic dynamics that directly contributed to the formulation of conflict resolution strategies,” he added.
Adaji reiterated the commission’s commitment to resolving boundary disputes, fostering peaceful coexistence, and promoting sustainable development along Nigeria’s boundary regions. He emphasized that resolving interstate boundary disputes remained a top priority, with notable successes in 2024.
“The Anambra/Enugu boundary dispute, for example, saw the introduction of an innovative approach called the ‘Anambra/Enugu Home Grown Formula,’” Adaji explained. “This initiative leveraged local engagement and political will to advance the demarcation process.”
He also discussed efforts to resolve the Benue/Nasarawa boundary dispute, where the NBC revived stalled pillar emplacement projects by harmonizing historical records and facilitating renewed dialogue between stakeholders. Similarly, in the Kebbi/Niger boundary dispute, technical committees were established to evaluate historical documents and execute boundary tracing.
“These efforts are expected to set the stage for peaceful resolutions,” Adaji said.
Additionally, the NBC team carried out extensive verification and alignment exercises on various boundaries, including Gombe/Taraba, FCT/Nasarawa, Enugu/Kogi, and the determination of the Ekiti/Ondo/Osun tripartite point. These activities, he concluded, demonstrate the commission’s ongoing commitment to accuracy, fairness, and peaceful coexistence along Nigeria’s interstate boundaries.
(NAN)
