National Boundary Commission Drives Forward Ekiti and Kwara Border Agreement to Stimulate Economic Growth

The National Boundary Commission has reiterated its dedication to finding a lasting solution to the longstanding boundary dispute between Ekiti and Kwara states, with the final definition of the 70-kilometre interstate boundary poised to bolster security, facilitate infrastructure development, and stimulate economic activities in the affected communities.

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This commitment was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the commission's Head of Information, Press and Public Relations, Chinwe Udouwem, highlighting the commission's efforts to resolve the dispute.

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At the Joint Meeting of Officials on the Ekiti/Kwara interstate boundary in Ado-Ekiti, Director-General Adamu Adaji described the meeting as a significant milestone in the quest to resolve all outstanding issues along the shared boundary, emphasizing the commission's role in promoting harmonious relations among neighbouring communities.

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Adaji explained that the current Ekiti/Kwara boundary has its roots in the former Ondo/Kwara interstate boundary, with its legal foundation stemming from Legal Notice No. 126 of 1954, which defined part of the boundary between the former Northern and Southern Nigeria.

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The commission's intervention was deemed necessary due to recurring communal clashes in the affected border communities, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of residents, and prolonged tension, prompting the need for a peaceful resolution.

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According to Adaji, the commission remains committed to its constitutional responsibility to define interstate boundaries peacefully and promote harmonious relations among neighbouring communities, with the ultimate goal of consolidating national unity, enhancing security, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable socio-economic development.

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Although significant progress has been made over the years, two critical sectors remain unresolved: the Eda-Oniyo (Ekiti State)-Obbo/Aiyegunle (Kwara State) axis and the Erinmope (Ekiti State)-Imoji, Ilofa and Odo-Owa (Kwara State) corridor, requiring further attention and resolution.

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Since 2002, the commission has convened several Joint Meetings of Officials, constituted Joint Field Teams, and carried out extensive field-tracing exercises based on Legal Notice No. 126 of 1954, historical records, authenticated maps, and relevant court judgments, marking a significant effort to resolve the dispute.

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The most recent technical meeting, held in Abuja in August 2024, resolved that digitised boundary maps be forwarded to both states for review, consultation, and harmonisation before the final demarcation exercise, paving the way for a conclusive resolution.

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However, Adaji expressed concern that despite transmitting the digitised maps to both states, the commission has yet to receive their harmonised reports, thereby delaying the commencement of the final phase of the boundary definition process.

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The commission has fulfilled its obligations by producing and forwarding the digitised maps in accordance with previous resolutions, and is now awaiting the harmonised positions of both states to proceed with the final definition and demarcation of the interstate boundary.

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The current Joint Meeting of Officials was convened to review all outstanding issues, build consensus among stakeholders, and agree on practical steps towards concluding the exercise, with the aim of finding a lasting solution to the dispute.

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Adaji urged the governments of Ekiti and Kwara states to continue supporting their respective State Boundary Committees with the necessary logistics and resources, and also appealed to affected communities to remain peaceful and refrain from actions capable of undermining the ongoing process.

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The successful conclusion of the exercise is expected to eliminate recurring disputes, strengthen security, improve governance, facilitate infrastructure development, stimulate economic activities, and promote peaceful coexistence among communities along the interstate boundary.

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The meeting was attended by representatives of the Deputy Governors of Ekiti and Kwara states, including Mr Adeleke Adefolaju and Mr Ayontola Malomo, who reaffirmed their governments' commitment to a peaceful, lawful, and mutually acceptable resolution of the remaining boundary issues.

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Both representatives commended the National Boundary Commission for sustaining dialogue and providing a framework for resolving the dispute, and pledged continued collaboration with the commission, while also appealing to affected border communities to remain peaceful and support the ongoing boundary definition exercise.