Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has announced the formation of a 21-member committee to resolve boundary disputes within the state’s 25 local government areas. The committee’s main goal is to address long-standing boundary issues and help promote peaceful coexistence among the state’s diverse communities.
The committee, which will be led by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, was inaugurated during a State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Minna. Governor Bago explained that the decision to create this committee was driven by the security challenges and frequent inter-communal clashes the state has been facing.
According to Governor Bago, the committee’s mission is to resolve both inter-emirate and intra-communal boundary disputes. The ultimate aim is to establish clearer boundaries that will bring about a more peaceful environment. The Governor also emphasized that traditional leaders will play a vital role in the process, and he reassured the committee of full support from the state government, including provisions for security and logistics.
Governor Bago urged the committee to give priority to resolving the boundary issues between emirates and to define these boundaries clearly so they can be officially recognized by the government. He also mentioned that the committee is expected to submit its report within six months, although this timeline may be extended if needed.
The committee comprises several key figures, including traditional leaders like the Emir of Borgu, Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, and the Emir of Minna, Alh. Umar Faruk Bahago. The Surveyor General of the Ministry of Lands and Survey will serve as the secretary of the committee. Other members include commissioners from various sectors, including Lands, Survey, and Information, as well as representatives from law enforcement agencies.
This committee’s formation is a significant step in addressing boundary disputes in Niger State, and it is expected to contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious living environment for the residents of the state.
