News Investigators/ The National Boundary Commission (NBC), says it will deploy drones, advanced geospatial technologies, and mapping tools to improve accuracy and efficiency in boundary management in the country in 2025.
The Director-General of the commission, Adamu Adaji, stated this at the 2024 end of year media briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
Mr Adaji, who was represented by Bulus Emmanuel, Director Internal Boundaries, said that the commission had partnered with key organisations to enhance technology integration in boundary management.
He said that to ensure success of the project, the NBC had invested significantly in training and capacity-building programmes for staff members and stakeholders in 2024.
He said that the training sessions focused on modern boundary management techniques and the application of advanced technologies, Performance Management System.
“The members of staff have acquired skills to enhance operational efficiency and accuracy in boundary surveys, demarcation activities and stakeholder engagement,” he said.
Mr Adaji added that to enhance evidence-based decision-making, the NBC has prioritised research and policy analysis in the outgoing year.
He said that the commission’s library had been fully digitised, modernised archival practices and ensured easier access to critical historical and legal documents.
“Also, comprehensive studies were conducted along key boundaries mainly Osun/Ogun and Adamawa/Taraba boundaries.
“These studies provided vital insights into cultural and socio-economic dynamics directly contributing to the formulation of conflict resolution strategies,” he said.
The D-G reiterated the commission’s commitment to resolve boundary disputes, promote peaceful coexistence, and drive sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions.
He said that the resolution of interstate boundary disputes remained a top priority in the commission, adding that key achievements were recorded in that regard in 2024.
“The Anambra/Enugu boundary dispute, for example, saw the introduction of an innovative approach tagged “Anambra/Enugu Home Grown Formula.”
“The initiative was introduced to resolve the interstate dispute between the sister states, leveraging local engagement and political will to advance the demarcation process.
“Also, in resolving the Benue/Nasarawa boundary dispute, NBC successfully revived stalled pillar emplacement projects by harmonising 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.
“This is expected to set the stage for peaceful resolutions,” he said.
He added that the NBC team had equally conducted extensive verification and alignment exercises on boundaries, including Gombe/Taraba, FCT/Nasarawa, the Enugu/Kogi and determination of the Ekiti/Ondo/Osun tripartite point.
These efforts, he said, demonstrated the commission’s commitment to ensuring accuracy, fairness, and peaceful coexistence along Nigeria’s interstate boundaries.
NAN