Oborevwori Advocates Resolution of Boundary Disputes to Foster Peace and Prosperity
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for urgent action to address boundary disputes across Nigeria, emphasising their detrimental impact on peace, security, and community prosperity. Speaking on Wednesday at a one-day workshop held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, the governor highlighted the devastating toll such disputes have taken on lives and livelihoods.
Themed “Towards Secure, Peaceful and Prosperous Borders”, the workshop sought to create a platform for dialogue among Nigeria’s coastal states and local government areas. Governor Oborevwori described the theme as both timely and crucial, noting that boundary disputes have plagued the nation since colonial times, often with catastrophic consequences.
“There is scarcely any state in Nigeria that has not been involved in boundary disputes with its neighbours, often resulting in displacement, death, and destruction,” he remarked. Citing reports, he revealed that between January 2018 and August 2022, 676 lives were lost in various communal and boundary clashes.
In Delta State, he noted, the majority of disputes revolve around land use for farming, mining, and other economically significant activities. “The resultant clashes often leave a trail of Internally Displaced Persons, whose living conditions in camps are unsanitary and hazardous,” he added.
Governor Oborevwori charged the National Boundary Commission with intensifying efforts to resolve disputes and educate the public on the importance of respecting boundaries. “The Commission must demonstrate the highest levels of objectivity, neutrality, and integrity to instil confidence and elicit goodwill. Effective conflict resolution is critical for maintaining national security, and strong political will is needed to implement recommendations that prevent future disputes,” he stated.
He reaffirmed Delta State’s commitment to the Commission’s efforts, aligning it with the state’s MORE agenda, which prioritises peace and security. “We are committed to partnering with the Commission to ensure a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria,” he concluded.
Deputy Governor of Delta State, Sir Monday Onyeme, in his welcome address, praised the African Union Border Governance Strategy for its focus on sustainable border governance. He urged continued efforts to harmonise disputes, observing that colonial-era boundary demarcations ignored the ethnic homogeneity of African communities, creating lasting tensions.
Deputy Governors of Bayelsa and Rivers States, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and Professor Ngozi Odu, also underscored the need for frequent dialogue to address boundary issues. They called on stakeholders to prioritise resolution mechanisms to foster harmony among border communities.
Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, explained that the workshop aimed to engage coastal states, local governments, and traditional rulers in improving border governance. He stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable peace.
The event was attended by traditional rulers from the South West and South South regions, as well as other stakeholders, all united in their commitment to resolving boundary disputes and promoting national stability.
