The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has initiated concrete actions to physically mark and finalize the long-standing inter-state boundary between Edo and Kogi States, aiming to resolve persistent disputes and foster lasting peace in border areas.
This development was announced by NBC Director-General Adamu Adaji during a high-level joint officials’ meeting held in Abuja on Thursday. The gathering brought together representatives from both states, federal technical experts, and commission officials to review prior efforts, evaluate ongoing challenges, and map out practical solutions for advancing fieldwork and permanent demarcation.
Adaji explained that the primary goal of the session was to examine progress made so far on the boundary, pinpoint barriers delaying on-ground activities, and develop strategies to ensure the final boundary line is clear, visible, and acceptable to communities living along it. Once implemented, the demarcation will feature a combination of primary concrete pillars positioned every 2 kilometers and intermediate pillars spaced at 200-meter intervals. Preliminary calculations indicate around 100 primary pillars and approximately 900 intermediate ones will be required to cover the entire stretch effectively.
He stressed that achieving a harmonious and dispute-free boundary demands collaborative involvement from federal authorities, state governments, and local administrations. Adaji expressed confidence that the deliberations would yield actionable recommendations to accelerate the process and bring it to a successful close.
The NBC, representing the Federal Government, remains fully committed to completing all necessary steps on this boundary without delay. Recognizing funding constraints, the commission plans to engage Edo and Kogi States for additional logistical or financial assistance where needed.
The Edo-Kogi boundary traces its origins to the colonial-era division between the former Northern and Western Regions, as outlined in Legal Notice 126 of 1954. Persistent difficulties have arisen mainly from varying interpretations of the original textual descriptions, leading to prolonged disagreements in affected sectors.
Over the years, NBC has facilitated multiple interventions, including several joint officials’ meetings and expert technical sessions. A notable prior effort occurred in September 2011 in Benin City, followed by physical tracing of the boundary on the ground and provisional marking. Outcomes from that exercise were reviewed, and recommendations on alignment were put forward.
More recently, on February 28 (prior to this meeting), the commission’s Internal Boundaries Technical Committee convened, examined the fieldwork reports, and formally approved the proposed boundary alignment as presented by NBC experts.
Adaji identified several recurring obstacles that have slowed boundary resolution nationwide, such as insufficient community awareness campaigns by states, interference from influential local figures or traditional leaders, limited financial resources, misconceptions about boundary lines, and competition over shared natural resources like minerals or farmland.
He made a direct appeal to the governments of Edo and Kogi, their traditional rulers, community leaders, and all stakeholders to uphold principles of mutual respect, brotherhood, and non-violence. This cooperative spirit, he noted, is essential to allow the commission to carry out demarcation smoothly and without hindrance.
Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, who chairs the state’s Boundary Committee and led his delegation, praised NBC for its proactive approach in tackling the longstanding issue. He reaffirmed Edo’s full dedication to supporting a fair, technically accurate, and legally sound demarcation process, building on previously agreed frameworks to ensure finality.
In a similar vein, Kogi State Deputy Governor Joel Salifu commended the commission’s renewed drive and recommended forming a comprehensive, inclusive demarcation team. This group, he suggested, should incorporate representatives from traditional institutions, local communities, and other key parties to establish clear guidelines and ensure transparent, effective implementation.
This latest push by NBC signals renewed federal momentum to settle one of Nigeria’s many inter-state boundary matters, promoting stability, reducing potential for conflicts, and enabling better governance and development in border regions.
