By Anne Azuka
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has condemned the persistent boundary disputes in Nigeria, stating that they have significantly undermined the peace, security, and prosperity of affected communities. He emphasized that these disputes have led to countless lives lost and displaced individuals, further hindering progress in the country.
Oborevwori made the remarks during a one-day workshop titled “Towards a Secure, Peaceful, and Prosperous Borders,” held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba. The event was focused on creating a platform for Nigeria’s coastal states and Local Government Areas to discuss border governance and conflict resolution.
The governor noted that boundary disputes are not only a longstanding issue dating back to colonial times but are also driven by factors such as land ownership, community pride, and socio-cultural differences. He cited a disturbing report that found 676 people were killed in various boundary-related clashes between January 2018 and August 2022.
“In Delta State alone, at least 80% of boundary disputes revolve around land use for farming, mining, and other economic activities,” Oborevwori added. “These disputes result in displacement and the creation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), leading to harsh living conditions and environmental hazards.”
He called on the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to redouble its efforts in resolving boundary disputes and highlighted the need for transparency, objectivity, and neutrality in their investigations. He also stressed the importance of educating the public on respecting boundaries to avoid future conflicts.
The Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, also spoke at the event, expressing his support for the African Union Border Governance Strategy, which aims to address border-related challenges for sustainable development. Onyeme noted that colonial powers had arbitrarily drawn borders without considering the ethnic composition of African communities, leading to conflicts that continue to this day.
Other dignitaries, including the Deputy Governors of Bayelsa and Rivers, Senator Lawrence Egwhrudjakpor and Professor Ngozi Odu, also echoed the need for continuous discussions and interventions to resolve boundary disputes. Surveyor Adamu Adaji, the Director-General of the National Boundaries Commission, underscored the workshop’s goal of engaging coastal states, local governments, and traditional rulers in fostering better border governance.
Traditional rulers and other stakeholders from the South West and South South regions of Nigeria attended the event, marking a significant step toward collaborative efforts in resolving boundary issues.
