The governments of Anambra and Abia states have reaffirmed their commitment to resolving their long-standing interstate boundary dispute through dialogue, constitutional processes, and peaceful engagement.
The commitment was renewed during a joint boundary meeting held in Awka, the Anambra State capital, with the deputy governors of both states, officials of the National Boundary Commission (NBC), members of the state boundary committees, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders in attendance.
The meeting reviewed progress in the delineation of the shared boundary and adopted measures to fast-track the resolution of the remaining disputed section.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Anambra State Governor on Boundary Matters, Ekenechukwu Okoye, who represented the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Anambra State Boundary Committee, said the state remained committed to resolving the dispute through legal and constitutional mechanisms.
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Okoye noted that boundary issues have direct implications for the identity, livelihoods, and welfare of affected communities.
He stressed that sincerity, fairness, and professionalism were critical to achieving a lasting solution.
The Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Adamu A. Adaji, commended both state governments for sustaining peaceful dialogue throughout the boundary resolution process.
He disclosed that approximately 15 kilometres of the 23-kilometre common boundary between Anambra and Abia states had been jointly traced and provisionally demarcated, while efforts were ongoing to resolve the remaining eight-kilometre stretch.
Adaji said the Commission would continue to provide the technical and institutional support required to complete the exercise in line with historical records, legal instruments, and established procedures.
Representing the Abia State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Abia State Boundary Committee, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Chijioke Nwankwo, described the meeting as another milestone in strengthening peaceful relations between the neighbouring states.
Greater Community Participation
Traditional rulers also called for greater community participation in resolving boundary disputes, with Igwe P. C. Ezeamama urging governments to involve community leaders more actively in resolving disagreements before they escalate.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Okoye expressed optimism that the outstanding issues would be resolved despite differing views among stakeholders.
He said the National Boundary Commission was reviewing submissions from all parties and expressed confidence that the remaining disputes would be resolved within the current administration, subject to the Commission’s timelines and available resources.
The meeting reviewed reports and recommendations on the disputed section, while both states and the Commission signed a communiqué reaffirming their commitment to dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and speedy completion of the boundary delineation exercise.
