By Sunday Apah
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has advised the National Boundary Commission to act with objectivity, neutrality, and integrity to earn the public’s trust.
Oborevwori who gave the advise on Wednesday while addressing critical issue of boundary disputes in Nigeria, highlighted the detrimental impact on peace, security, and the prosperity of local communities.
He emphasized that such disputes have led to significant loss of life and appealed to the National Boundary Commission and other key stakeholders to prioritize resolution efforts for conflicts between border communities.
Governor Oborevwori made these remarks at a workshop aimed at fostering dialogue among Nigeria’s coastal states and local governments, themed “Towards Secure, Peaceful, and Prosperous Borders.” The event took place at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
Describing the workshop’s theme as both timely and relevant, Governor Oborevwori remarked that boundary disputes are an age-old challenge that continues to afflict humanity.
He noted that Nigeria has faced these issues since colonial times, resulting in severe and destabilizing consequences for its citizens.
“There is hardly a state in Nigeria that has not experienced boundary-related conflicts, often leading to displacement, loss of life, and destruction of property,” he stated.
He referenced reports indicating that from January 2018 to August 2022, 676 individuals were killed due to various communal and boundary-related clashes across the nation.
The Governor pointed out that the root causes of these disputes often stem from issues such as land ownership, community pride, historical or colonial demarcations, and socio-cultural factors.
“In Delta State, it can be said that approximately 80% of boundary disputes are linked to land use, whether for agriculture, mining, or other economically significant activities,” he added.
“These conflicts frequently result in large numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs), which poses risks to their safety and well-being since living conditions in IDP camps are often unhealthy and hazardous.”
He urged the National Boundary Commission to intensify its efforts in dispute resolution. “As the body tasked with resolving boundary conflicts in Nigeria, the National Boundary Commission plays a vital role in ensuring peace, security, and prosperity in our communities,” said Oborevwori.
The Governor called for the Commission to implement awareness and education programs to inform the public about the significance of respecting established boundaries.
He stressed the need for thorough investigations into boundary disputes, emphasizing that officials must act with objectivity, neutrality, and integrity to earn the public’s trust.
“Conversations break down rapidly when there is a perception of favoritism from those expected to be impartial mediators,” he cautioned.
“An effective conflict resolution framework is essential for maintaining national security, which necessitates strong political will from the government to carry out recommendations aimed at amicably resolving disputes and preventing future occurrences.”
With peace and security at the forefront of the MORE agenda, Oborevwori reiterated his commitment to collaborating with the National Boundary Commission for a safer, more secure, and prosperous Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, Delta State Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, expressed his approval of the African Union’s Border Governance Strategy, which emphasizes sound border management and sustainable development.
He urged the African Union to maintain its efforts to harmonize existing issues within boundary communities.
Onyeme, who also chairs the Delta State Boundary Commission, reflected on the arbitrary divisions established by European colonizers, which disregarded the ethnic homogeneity of numerous African groups, forcing them into different nations and hastily grouping diverse communities under single, often conflicting borders.
Deputy Governors from Bayelsa and Rivers States, Senator Lawrence Egwhrudjakpor and Professor Ngozi Odu, also addressed the gathering, urging relevant authorities to engage in ongoing discussions about boundary issues to facilitate their resolution.
Director-General of the National Boundaries Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, stated that the workshop was primarily organized to engage Nigeria’s coastal states and local governments, along with traditional leaders, in effective border governance.
Traditional rulers from Southwest and South-South states and other stakeholders participated in the one-day workshop.
