National Boundary Commission to Deploy Drones for Boundary Management

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has announced plans to deploy drones, advanced geospatial technologies, and mapping tools to improve accuracy and efficiency in boundary management across Nigeria by 2025.

Director-General of the NBC, Mr Adamu Adaji, revealed this at the 2024 end-of-year media briefing in Abuja on Thursday. Represented by Dr. Bulus Emmanuel, Director of Internal Boundaries, Adaji highlighted the commission’s commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced boundary operations.

Adaji noted that NBC had collaborated with key organisations to integrate advanced technologies into its boundary management activities.
“To ensure the project’s success, the NBC invested significantly in staff training and capacity-building programmes in 2024,” he stated.

The training sessions focused on modern boundary management techniques, advanced technologies, and performance management systems.
“Our staff have acquired skills to improve operational efficiency and accuracy in boundary surveys, demarcation activities, and stakeholder engagement,” Adaji added.

In 2024, NBC prioritised research and policy analysis, establishing a fully digitised library to modernise archival practices and provide easier access to critical historical and legal documents.
“Comprehensive studies were conducted along key boundaries, such as the Osun/Ogun and Adamawa/Taraba boundaries,” Adaji explained.
“These studies offered valuable insights into cultural and socio-economic dynamics, contributing directly to conflict resolution strategies.”

Adaji reaffirmed the NBC’s dedication to resolving interstate boundary disputes, promoting peaceful coexistence, and fostering sustainable development in boundary regions.
“Resolving interstate boundary disputes remained a top priority, and significant progress was made in 2024,” he noted.

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Key Achievements

Anambra/Enugu Dispute:
“The Anambra/Enugu boundary dispute witnessed the introduction of an innovative approach known as the ‘Anambra/Enugu Home-Grown Formula,’” Adaji stated.
“This initiative leveraged local engagement and political will to advance the demarcation process.”

Benue/Nasarawa Dispute:
Adaji highlighted progress in the Benue/Nasarawa boundary dispute.
“The NBC successfully revived stalled pillar emplacement projects by harmonising historical records and facilitating renewed dialogue between stakeholders,” he said.

Kebbi/Niger Dispute:
“Similarly, for the Kebbi/Niger boundary dispute, technical committees were established to evaluate historical documents and execute boundary tracing, laying the groundwork for peaceful resolutions,” he added.

Verification and Alignment Efforts

The NBC also conducted extensive verification and alignment exercises on several boundaries, including Gombe/Taraba, FCT/Nasarawa, Enugu/Kogi, and the determination of the Ekiti/Ondo/Osun tripartite point.
“These efforts underscore the commission’s commitment to accuracy, fairness, and peaceful coexistence along Nigeria’s interstate boundaries,” Adaji stated.

In closing, Adaji reaffirmed the NBC’s ongoing commitment to resolving disputes, fostering harmony, and driving sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions.