By Ifeizu Joe
Anambra and Abia States on Thursday renewed their commitment to the peaceful resolution of the lingering interstate boundary dispute as officials of both states, the National Boundary Commission (NBC), traditional rulers and other stakeholders met in Awka to chart a way forward.
The Joint Meeting of Officials, held at the Anambra Country Club, Awka, began with the officials, including traditional rulers affirming to traditional prayers for wisdom, unity and lasting peace, between both states.
The officials urged all parties to embrace dialogue and avoid actions capable of disrupting the long-standing relationship between communities on both sides of the boundary.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, who represented the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Anambra State Boundary Committee, Hon. Ekenechukwu Okoye, in his opening address reaffirmed the state’s commitment to resolving the dispute through constitutional means, dialogue and adherence to established legal procedures.
He stressed that boundary issues affect the lives, identity, and livelihoods of the people and therefore require sincerity, fairness, and professionalism to achieve a lasting solution.
Earlier, Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu A. Adaji commended both governments for sustaining peaceful engagement over the years. He disclosed that out of the 23-kilometre common boundary shared by both states, about 15 kilometres had already been jointly traced and provisionally demarcated, while efforts were ongoing to resolve the remaining eight-kilometre stretch.
According to him, the Commission 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 State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Abia State Boundary Committee, Hon. Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, described the meeting as another opportunity to strengthen the bond of peace between the two sister states.
He applauded the National Boundary Commission for sustaining dialogue and praised both governments for demonstrating the spirit of peace throughout the negotiation process.
“As neighbours, we may be separated by administrative boundaries, but we share the same ancestry, culture, and common aspirations. The monuments we erect should become symbols of peace and not division,” he said.
Traditional rulers also lent their voices to the discussions.
Igwe P. C. Ezeamama advocated greater involvement of community leaders in resolving boundary disagreements before government intervention becomes necessary.
“We should allow community leaders to handle the boundary issues first. If they fail, then the government can step in,” the monarch advised.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Hon. Ekenechukwu Okoye expressed optimism that the outstanding issues would soon be resolved.
He acknowledged that differing opinions remained among stakeholders but maintained confidence in the review process being coordinated by the National Boundary Commission.
“Inside every committee, there will naturally be dissenting opinions, both for and against. It is the responsibility of the National Boundary Commission and the relevant technical teams to review all submissions. By the grace of God, the next time they reconvene, this matter will be resolved,” he said.
Asked when the resolution should be expected, Okoye responded: “The timelines are not within my prerogative to set; they lie with the National Boundary Commission. However, we are hopeful that, within their budgetary provisions and other ancillary considerations, the matter will be resolved, possibly within this administration.”
The meeting featured extensive deliberations on reports presented by the Joint Technical Committee, mediation sessions among stakeholders, and the review of recommendations aimed at resolving the outstanding eight-kilometre section of the interstate boundary.
At the end of the meeting, officials endorsed and signed a communiqué reaffirming their commitment to dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and accelerated completion of the boundary delineation exercise.
The event wasconcluded with renewed assurances from both governments and the National Boundary Commission to sustain collaboration towards achieving a fair, enduring, and mutually acceptable resolution of the Abia-Anambra interstate boundary dispute.
