The Deputy Governor of Cross River State and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Peter Odey, has called on the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to intensify efforts toward the prompt demarcation of boundaries in the state and across the country.
This, he said, would prevent recurring conflicts and strengthen peaceful coexistence among neighbouring states and along international corridors.
Odey made the call while delivering a goodwill message on Monday in Abuja at the one-day high-level national workshop on Border Security, Resilience and Cross-Border Cooperation, organized by the National Boundary Commission.
The deputy governor described the gathering as timely and strategic, noting that effective border governance remains critical to Nigeria’s security, stability, and socio-economic development.
He observed that countries across the world are increasingly adopting collaborative approaches to managing border-related challenges, strengthening security architecture, promoting peaceful coexistence and fostering sustainable development in border communities.
He said, “This workshop is timely and significant because effective border governance remains critical to Nigeria’s security stability, socio-economic development and promoting peaceful coexistence, as well as fostering sustainable development in border communities.”
He lamented that Cross River State has continued to experience lingering boundary issues with neighbouring states, stressing that these unresolved disputes pose challenges to peace, security, and development in affected communities.
He emphasised the need for urgent and coordinated action to properly define and demarcate boundaries in order to prevent recurring tensions, adding that the administration of Governor Bassey Otu remains committed to promoting peace, security, and inclusive development particularly in communities located along the state’s boundaries.
“As a border state, Cross River appreciates the strategic importance of effective border governance and cross-border collaboration in line with the People’s First agenda of Governor Bassey Otu. This administration is committed to promoting peace, security, and inclusive development most especially in communities located along the state’s boundaries”, he said.
He drew the attention of the NBC to lingering boundary disputes involving Cross River State and neighboring states, including Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Benue, and Abia, as well as recent boundary-related tensions, including the reported invasion by Cameroonian soldiers in Danare, Boki Local Government Area, and unresolved matters surrounding the Bakassi Peninsula, urging the commission to rise to its statutory responsibility by ensuring proper and timely boundary demarcation across affected areas.
