The governments of Anambra and Abia have vowed to apply principles of peaceful resolution to address the lingering interstate boundary disputes between them.
Officials from both states, the National Boundary Commission, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders held a joint meeting in Awka on Thursday to chart a way forward for resolving boundary issues.
Deputy Governor Onyeka Ibezim, the chairman of the Anambra State Boundary Committee, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to resolving the disputes constitutionally.
Mr Ibezim said the state was willing to use dialogue and adherence to established legal procedures in handling the disputes. He noted that boundary issues, if not well handled, affected people’s lives, identities, and livelihoods and therefore required sincerity, fairness, and professionalism to achieve a lasting solution.
The Anambra deputy governor expressed optimism that the outstanding issues would soon be resolved and acknowledged that differing opinions remained among stakeholders. He maintained confidence in the review process coordinated by the NBC.
“Inside every committee, there will naturally be dissenting opinions, both for and against. It is the responsibility of the commission and the relevant technical teams to review all submissions,” he said.
NBC’s director-general, Adamu Adaji, commended both governments for sustaining peaceful engagement over the years. He disclosed that of the 23-kilometre common boundary between the two states, about 15 kilometres had already been jointly traced and provisionally demarcated, while efforts were ongoing to resolve the remaining eight kilometres.
According to him, NBC remains committed to providing the technical and institutional support required to conclude the exercise in line with historical records, legal instruments, and established procedures.
Representing the Abia government, Chijioke Nwankwo, deputy chief of staff at the Office of the Deputy Governor, described the meeting as another opportunity to strengthen the bond of peace between the states.
He applauded the NBC for sustaining dialogue and praised both governments for demonstrating the spirit of peace throughout the process.
The meeting featured extensive deliberations on reports presented by the Joint Technical Committee and mediation sessions among stakeholders.