SOKOTO STATE CALLS FOR CLEAR BORDER DELINEATION WITH NIGER REPUBLIC 30-10-23
By Sadiq Aminu Sokoto state government has called on the National Boundary Commission to urgently delineate border lines between Nigeria and The Republic of Niger affecting Bachaka Village in Sabon Birni local government area of the state.
The Deputy governor of the state, Alh Idris Muhammad Gobir made the call
at a one day workshop aimed at discussing modalities towards the creation of Nigeria’s Platform for Local Border Authorities along Nigeria-Niger International Boundary held in Sokoto state.
Alh. Idris Gobir explained that despite the presence of Nigerian police and Immigration personnel posted in the area, the current Google topographical map indicates the village as part of the territory of the Niger Republic.
The Deputy governor who is also the chairman of the state Boundary Committee said clear delineation of the border line is key to avoiding what happened to Bakassi peninsula.
Responding, the Director General, National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji said the country has a land Border stretching to 4,500 km by land and 850 km by maritime.
According to the director general securing these Borders by government is a difficult task hence the need for the support and cooperation of Border communities to ensure security for personnel effecting the delineation.
He said the purpose of the platform was to foster Unity and integration between Nigeria and Niger border Communities.
The Director General further explained that the barriers separating Nigeria and The Republic of Niger were created by the colonial masters, which the commission is working to reverse and transform into bridges of cooperation and integration between the two African neighbors.
The platform if created would help states and Communities along the borders to rub minds and share ideas on how best to curtails the proliferation of small and lighter weapons as well as, trafficking and other cross-border crimes.
Africa 247 reports that the Deputy Governors of Jigawa, Kebbi, and Katsina, as well as the Attorney General of Yobe State, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands and Housing from Zamfara, were in attendance at the day workshop.