Boundary Commission Moves to Resolve Long-standing Ekiti-Kwara Dispute, Meets Stakeholders

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has intensified efforts to resolve the protracted boundary dispute between Nigeria's Ekiti and Kwara states. Adamu Adaji, Director General of the NBC, reaffirmed the commission's commitment to defining the '70 kilometer' interstate boundary, a move aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence and national unity. The NBC convened a Joint Meeting of Officials (JMO) in Ado-Ekiti, describing it as a significant step in addressing outstanding issues along the shared border. Adaji explained that the current boundary inherited from the former Ondo/Kwara interstate boundary is rooted in 'Legal Notice No. 126 of 1954'. The commission's intervention is crucial due to recurring communal clashes in affected border areas, which have resulted in fatalities, property destruction, displacement, and persistent tension. "The National Boundary Commission remains steadfast in discharging its constitutional responsibility to peacefully define interstate boundaries and promote harmonious relations among neighbouring communities," Adaji stated. He emphasized that the commission's goal extends beyond demarcation to consolidating national unity, enhancing security, and creating an environment conducive to socio-economic development. While progress has been made, two critical sectors remain unresolved: the Eda-Oniyo (Ekiti)–Obbo/Aiyegunle (Kwara) axis and the Erinmope (Ekiti)–Imoji, Ilofa and Odo-Owa (Kwara) corridor. The NBC has held numerous joint meetings and field tracing exercises since 2002. A recent technical meeting in Abuja resolved that digitized boundary maps be forwarded to both states for review and harmonization. However, Adaji expressed concern that the delayed submission of harmonized reports from the states is hindering the final demarcation phase.

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The National Boundary Commission remains steadfast in discharging its constitutional responsibility to peacefully define interstate boundaries and promote harmonious relations among neighbouring communities.