Three out of the five states that share boundaries with the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have called for the setting up of a technical committee to properly demarcate their boundaries.
Governors of the three states which are Abubakar Sani Bello, Abdullahi Sule, and Nasiru El-Rufai of Niger, Nasarawa and Kaduna states respectively, made the call in a meeting with the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola in Abuja.
While Governor Sani Bello was physically present at the meeting, his counterparts in Nasarawa and Kaduna states joined virtually.
In his remarks, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola explained that there is no boundary dispute with states sharing borders with FCT.
He said the meeting was aimed at discussing ways to properly demarcate the states and FCT Abuja.
Responding, Governor Sani Bello noted that out of the states that share boundaries with FCT Abuja, Niger has the longest boundary.
He however said the state lacks definite demarcation like other states neighboring the nation’s capital.
The governor acknowledged that the meeting was apt as it will help in clearing grey areas as regards boundaries with the FCT.
“I must appreciate the Minister, Ministry of Works and Housing and Director General National Boundary Commission for this initiative, it will go along in addressing issues of boundary demarcation between FCT and neighboring states”, he said.
The Governor of Nasarawa state, Abdullahi Sule said the state has no boundary challenge with the FCT, but he however raised concern on the issue of revenue collection from traders in areas very close to FCT pointing out that their dues go to the authority of the capital city.
Also speaking, the DG National Boundary Commission Mr. Adamu Adaji identified a lack of proper demarcation as the cause of boundary encroachment and assured that the commission would be guided by constitutional provisions in addressing boundary-related issues.
