Minister Emphasises Importance of Boundary Commission in Conflict Resolution

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has emphasised the importance of partnering with the National Boundary Commission to address boundary-related conflicts in mining regions.

Alake stated this during a meeting with the commission’s Director-General, Adamu Adaji, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja the nation’s capital.

The Minister underscored the agency’s vital role in facilitating the ministry’s operations, particularly concerning overlapping mining sites and pertinent data.

Alake advocated for the transfer of geological data held by the commission to the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), stressing that consolidating this data in one location would streamline the process for organizations seeking geological information.

“All geological data in the country should ideally be housed at the NGSA. The agency’s primary role should extend beyond data generation to also serve as a central repository for geological information. This consolidation is essential, allowing any agency or organization needing data to access it from a single source, rather than navigating multiple agencies. Fragmented data complicates investors’ ability to gather essential information for informed decision-making,” the Minister stated.

Alake further said that agencies such as the NGSA and Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) would work alongside the commission to address outstanding issues related to overlapping mining licenses.

“I assure you of our support to facilitate your work, as it is crucial for fostering a peaceful environment for business growth. Reducing friction in various areas will benefit both our interests and the nation’s economic development,” the Minister added.

Responding, Mr. Adaji expressed the commission’s desire to collaborate with the ministry and its agencies to clearly define boundaries in mining areas, especially where mining licenses overlap.

He assured that any geological data in the commission’s possession would be made available to the NGSA.

Adaji also mentioned an upcoming induction training for state boundary committees, aimed at educating members on boundary delineation, resolving disputes, and generating necessary data to assist the commission in fulfilling its mandate.

Dominica Nwabufo