National Boundary Commission to Deploy Drones for Boundary Management by 2025

The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has announced plans to use drones and advanced geospatial technologies for boundary management across Nigeria by 2025.

This was revealed by the Director-General of NBC, Mr. Adamu Adaji, during the 2024 end-of-year media briefing in Abuja. Represented by Dr. Bulus Emmanuel, the Director of Internal Boundaries, Adaji emphasized the commission’s commitment to utilizing technology for more efficient and accurate boundary management.

NBC has partnered with key organizations to integrate these technologies into their operations. As part of the initiative, the commission has invested in training programs to build the capacity of its staff and stakeholders. These sessions focused on modern boundary management techniques and performance management systems to enhance operational efficiency.

Additionally, NBC has emphasized the role of research and policy analysis in boundary management, including studies along significant boundaries like Osun/Ogun and Adamawa/Taraba. These studies have provided valuable insights for formulating conflict resolution strategies.

The commission also highlighted its progress in resolving interstate boundary disputes, including the Anambra/Enugu, Benue/Nasarawa, and Kebbi/Niger disputes, using innovative approaches and engaging local stakeholders.

NBC’s verification and alignment exercises on boundaries like Gombe/Taraba and Enugu/Kogi demonstrate its commitment to ensuring accuracy and promoting peaceful coexistence in Nigeria’s boundary regions.

Research and evidence-based decision-making 

The NBC emphasized the importance of research and policy analysis in 2024, with a fully digitized library to modernize archival practices and provide easier access to critical historical and legal documents.

“Comprehensive studies were conducted along key boundaries, mainly Osun/Ogun and Adamawa/Taraba boundaries,” Adaji noted.

“These studies provided vital insights into cultural and socio-economic dynamics directly contributing to the formulation of conflict resolution strategies.” 

Resolving boundary disputes 

Adaji reiterated the NBC’s dedication to resolving interstate boundary disputes, promoting peaceful coexistence, and fostering sustainable development in boundary regions.

“The resolution of interstate boundary disputes remained a top priority in the commission, and key achievements were recorded in that regard in 2024,” he said.

Anambra/Enugu dispute 

“The Anambra/Enugu boundary dispute, for example, saw the introduction of an innovative approach tagged ‘Anambra/Enugu Home Grown Formula.’ 

“The initiative was introduced to resolve the interstate dispute between the sister states, leveraging local engagement and political will to advance the demarcation process.” 

Benue/Nasarawa dispute 

Adaji also highlighted progress in resolving the Benue/Nasarawa boundary dispute.

“NBC successfully revived stalled pillar emplacement projects by harmonizing historical records and facilitating renewed dialogue between stakeholders,” he said.

Kebbi/Niger dispute 

“Similarly, in the Kebbi/Niger boundary dispute, technical committees were established to evaluate historical documents and execute boundary tracing. 

“This is expected to set the stage for peaceful resolutions.” 

Verification and alignment exercises 

The NBC conducted extensive verification and alignment exercises on several boundaries, including Gombe/Taraba, FCT/Nasarawa, Enugu/Kogi, and the determination of the Ekiti/Ondo/Osun tripartite point.

“These efforts demonstrate the commission’s commitment to ensuring accuracy, fairness, and peaceful coexistence along Nigeria’s interstate boundaries,” Adaji stated.

Adaji emphasized that the commission remains committed to resolving boundary disputes, promoting peaceful coexistence, and driving sustainable development across Nigeria’s boundary regions.