The demarcation of the boundary between Benue and Nasarawa states, which was temporarily halted on April 6, 2022, due to security challenges, is set to recommence, according to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

During a meeting held by the National Boundary Commission (NBC), the issues that had impeded progress on the boundary delineation were addressed. The Director-General of the NBC, Adamu Adaji, mentioned that the Federal Government, along with the states, has intervened multiple times over the years to resolve the interstate boundary matters.

Adaji revealed that the NBC’s first intervention in the boundary dispute took place in 2016, and a joint meeting held in December 2021 recommended field demarcation. However, the process was temporarily halted after only a few boundary pillars were installed, and reports indicated that three of them were destroyed.

The purpose of the recent meeting was to discuss all the issues that hindered progress on the boundary and devise appropriate measures to expedite the boundary definition and demarcation process, as stated by Adaji.

During the meeting, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue, represented by the Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Solid Minerals, Matins Shaagee, appealed for a peaceful resolution of the boundary disputes. He emphasized the significance of peace for development and called for collaboration with the Nasarawa government to resolve the issue.

Dr. Emmanuel Akabe, the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa, who represented Governor Abdullahi Sule, urged the two states to work together in combating trans-border crimes instead of engaging in boundary conflicts. Akabe highlighted the fraternal relationship between the two states and encouraged collaboration for mutual benefit. He acknowledged that discussions on the installation of certain boundary pillars, which were previously agreed upon, were being revisited during the meeting.