BAUCHI GOVERNOR TASKS BOUNDARY MANAGERS ON STRATEGIES FOR ADDRESSING EXISTING BORDER DISPUTES
By Muslim Lawal:
Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has urged Boundary Managers to map out strategies aimed at addressing existing border disputes and preventing future conflicts.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a two-day sensitisation workshop for Boundary Managers in Bauchi and neighbouring states of Gombe, Taraba, Plateau, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Yobe held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi, the Governor observed that the work of Boundary Managers is not merely administrative, but about fostering peace and promoting cooperation amongst the diverse communities.
Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, Governor Bala Mohammed stressed the need for stakeholders to work collectively and diligently to ensure that boundaries reflect not just lines on a map, but the unity and strength of border communities.
He described sensitisation workshop especially for Boundary managers as key to achieving the good result by equipping participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of boundary management, saying the workshop underscores the commitment of the National Boundary Commission (NBC) towards carrying stakeholders along in finding solution to boundary issues.
The Governor noted that since the coming of his administration in 2019, it has been rendering support to the State Boundary Commission with a view to ensuring that emerging border disputes are addressed amicably.
He recalled that, the National Boundary Commission in collaboration with the two States of Bauchi/Gombe has successfully demarcated Sector I boundary where 51 Main Boundary Pillars were emplaced while work has commenced in Sector II (Darazo, Ganjuwa, Kirfi/Dukku) where 13 Main Pillars were emplaced.
He also said, out of 1,634 kilometres of the boundaries with neighbours, 1,159 kilometres were agreed and resolved, while 478 kilometres still remains as disputed areas, which by grace of God will also be resolved and demarcated.
Governor Bala Mohammed assured that the state government is fully committed to supporting the efforts of the National Boundary Commission as it recognizes the importance of collaborative action in achieving sustainable solutions.
On his part, the Director General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji explained that the workshop is part of ongoing efforts to fast track peaceful resolution of boundary disputes and called for support to the commission for a prosperous borders in the country.
In a welcome address, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Hajiya Amina Katagum said the theme of the workshop which is “Towards a Peaceful and Prosperous Borders,” resonates deeply with the readiness of the Bauchi State Government towards ensuring peaceful coexistence among communities for a peaceful borders.
