The National Boundary Commission (NBC) has intensified efforts to resolve the long-standing boundary dispute between Ekiti and Kwara states, saying the final demarcation of the 70-kilometre interstate boundary now depends on the submission of harmonised digital boundary maps by both states.

The Commission disclosed that it has completed the technical work required for the final definition of the boundary but cannot proceed until Ekiti and Kwara submit their jointly agreed positions on the digitised maps previously forwarded to them.

Speaking on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti during the Joint Meeting of Officials on the Ekiti-Kwara Interstate Boundary, the Director-General of the NBC, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, described the meeting as a significant step towards ending decades of communal tensions and uncertainty along the shared border.

Adaji reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to its constitutional responsibility of peacefully defining interstate boundaries, preventing conflicts and promoting national unity through dialogue and technical engagement.

"Our objective extends beyond drawing boundary lines; it is about consolidating national unity, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for sustainable socio-economic development," he said.

He explained that the existing Ekiti-Kwara boundary was inherited from the former Ondo-Kwara boundary and is legally based on Legal Notice No. 126 of 1954, which formed part of the colonial-era boundary separating Northern and Southern Nigeria.

According to the Director-General, the Commission intervened following recurring communal clashes in border communities that have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of residents and persistent insecurity.

He revealed that although substantial progress has been made through years of technical work, two major flashpoints remain unresolved. These are the Eda-Oniyo (Ekiti)-Obbo/Aiyegunle (Kwara) axis and the Erinmope (Ekiti)-Imoji, Ilofa and Odo-Owa (Kwara) corridor.

Adaji noted that since 2002, the Commission has organised several joint meetings, deployed technical field teams and carried out extensive boundary tracing using Legal Notice No. 126 of 1954, authenticated historical maps, official records and relevant court judgments.

He recalled that stakeholders agreed during a technical meeting held in Abuja in August 2024 that digitised boundary maps should be sent to both states for consultation, harmonisation and adoption before the commencement of the final demarcation exercise.

However, he expressed concern that despite producing and forwarding the maps, the Commission is still awaiting harmonised reports from both state governments.

"The Commission has fulfilled its obligations by producing and forwarding the digitised maps in accordance with previous resolutions. We are awaiting the harmonised positions of both states to enable us to proceed with the final definition and demarcation of the interstate boundary," he stated.

Adaji said the latest meeting was convened to resolve outstanding issues, build consensus among stakeholders and agree on practical measures for concluding the exercise.

He urged the governments of Ekiti and Kwara to provide adequate logistical and financial support to their respective State Boundary Committees to speed up the process, while appealing to residents of the affected communities to remain peaceful and avoid actions capable of disrupting the ongoing efforts.

According to him, the successful conclusion of the exercise will permanently end recurring disputes, strengthen security, improve governance, accelerate infrastructure development and unlock greater economic opportunities for communities along the shared boundary.

Representatives of both state governments reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a peaceful, lawful and mutually acceptable resolution of the dispute.

The Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Monisade Christianah Afuye, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr Adeleke Adefolaju, and the Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Mr Kayode Alabi, represented by Mr Ayontola Malomo, commended the NBC for sustaining dialogue and providing an effective framework for resolving the lingering dispute.

They also pledged continued cooperation with the Commission and appealed to residents of the affected border communities to support the ongoing boundary definition process in the interest of lasting peace and development.