Gov. Zulum inaugurates committee to resolve boundary dispute with neighbours

July 8, 2020

As part of efforts to promote peaceful co-existence and strengthen security, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has inaugurated a 13-member boundary committee to ensure peaceful resolution of land disputes between the state and its neighbours.

Zulum while inaugurating the committee in Maiduguri on Wednesday said the committee would work to enhance bilateral relations and security between the state and its neighbours as well as the neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

Zulum said that the establishment of the committee also aims to avoid tension that could escalate to communal conflict in the communities.

The Governor said it was a proactive arrangement by his administration to avoid foreseen and unforeseen conflicts.

“Boundary issues have been a subject of global concern that prompted many countries, including Nigeria, to establish such committees or institutions in line with global peace initiatives.

“The Committee are to handle boundary matters including international boundary with Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic.

“The committee members are also to handle boundary issues with Adamawa, Yobe and Gombe states including inter-local government boundary within the 27 local government areas of state,” he said.

Zulum directed the committee to commence work immediately.

The committee is headed by the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, while Alhaji Kabiru Wanori, the Commissioner for Inter-Governmental Affairs and Special Duties will serve as Secretary.

Other members of committee include permanent secretaries in the ministries of Inter-Governmental Affairs and Special Duties, Local Government and Emirate Affairs, the Executive Secretary and Borno State Geographic Information Service (BOGIS).

Others are the Surveyor General of BOGIS and representatives of the Army, Police, Department of State Security Services (DSS), Customs and Immigration Service.