Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja
The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the Abia/Anambra interstate boundary dispute, disclosing that both states have recorded significant progress in efforts to complete the delineation of their common boundary.
Speaking at the Joint Meeting of Officials on the Abia/Anambra Interstate Boundary held in Awka, the Director General of the Commission, Adamu Adaji, commended the governments of Abia and Anambra States for their sustained cooperation and commitment to resolving the dispute through dialogue and established legal procedures.
A statement by the Head of Information, Press and Public Relations, Chinwe Udouwem, stressed that Adaji disclosed that about 15 kilometres of the 23-kilometre interstate boundary had already been jointly traced and provisionally demarcated, while discussions were focused on resolving the remaining eight-kilometre stretch.
Adaji said the meeting reviewed recommendations from the technical meeting of experts held on July 1, 2026 with the aim of identifying practical and mutually acceptable solutions to the outstanding issues.
“The Commission remains committed to providing the technical, administrative and institutional support required to bring this process to a successful conclusion. Our expectation is that this meeting will reinvigorate the boundary resolution process and promote lasting peace, good neighbourliness and sustainable development among the affected communities,” he said.
Standing in for Abia State, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Ikechukwu Emetu, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Chijioke Nwankwo, welcomed the consensus reached on the already traced 15-kilometre section and called for its immediate monumentation.
He stressed that the outstanding eight-kilometre corridor should be resolved strictly in line with the NBC’s procedures, historical and archival records, technical field evidence and relevant judicial pronouncements.
According to him, state-produced maps should not serve as the basis for determining interstate boundaries, describing Supreme Court judgments and other valid legal instruments as indispensable in achieving a credible and enduring settlement.
On its part, the Anambra state government reiterated its commitment to resolving the dispute through peaceful dialogue, constitutional processes and the rule of law.
The Deputy Governor of Anambra State and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary matters, Ekenechukwu Okoye, said boundary disputes should be approached with sincerity, professionalism and mutual respect, noting that the welfare, peace and security of affected communities must remain paramount.
He expressed confidence that the technical expertise available at the meeting, coupled with the goodwill of both state governments and the guidance of the NBC would facilitate meaningful progress toward a fair and mutually acceptable resolution.
The meeting also received the report of the technical meeting of experts, which highlighted documents submitted by both states, reviewed areas of agreement and outlined recommendations to advance the resolution process.
In its communiqué, the meeting noted that both Abia and Anambra States were committed to having their common boundary fully demarcated and had requested the NBC to expedite the process.
Officials further acknowledged that both states had agreed on the 15-kilometre portion of the 23-kilometre boundary already traced, while discussions would continue on the remaining section in accordance with due process and established procedures.