Govs of 3 states demand that c’mttee be set up to properly demarcate boundaries of states bordering FCT
Three out of the five states that share boundaries with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja has called for the setting up of a technical committee to properly demarcate their boundaries.
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Governors of the three states, Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger; Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa and Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna, made the call respectively in a meeting with the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola in Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Niger State Governor, Mary Noel-Berje, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
While Governor Sani Bello was physically present at the meeting, his counterparts in Nasarawa and Kaduna states joined virtually.
In his remarks, the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola explained that there is no boundary dispute with the states sharing borders with FCT.
He said the meeting was aimed at discussing ways to properly demarcate the states and FCT, Abuja.
Responding, Governor Sani Bello noted that out of the states that share boundaries with FCT Abuja, Niger has the longest boundary.
He, however, said the state lacks a definite demarcation like other states neighbouring the Nation’s capital.
The Governor acknowledged that the meeting was apt as it will help in clearing grey areas as regards boundaries with the FCT.
“I must appreciate the Minister, Ministry of Works and Housing and Director-General National Boundary Commission for this initiative, it will definitely go along in addressing issues of boundary demarcation between FCT and neighbouring states”, he said.
The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, said the state has no boundary challenge with the FCT, but he, however, raised concern on the issue of revenue collection from traders in areas very close to FCT pointing out that their dues go to the Authority of the Capital City.
Also speaking, the DG National Boundary Commission, Mr Adamu Adaji identified the lack of proper demarcation as the cause of boundary encroachment and assured that the Commission would be guided by constitutional provisions in addressing boundary related issues.
