By Awwal Umar Kontagora Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has inaugurated the Niger State–Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Boundary ...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has inaugurated the Niger State–Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Boundary Commission as part of efforts to address lingering boundary disputes, enhance security, and safeguard the state’s economic interests.
The inauguration ceremony took place at the Niger State Liaison Office in Abuja. Governor Bago said the establishment of the commission became necessary due to recurring communal clashes and administrative challenges arising from poorly defined boundaries between Niger State and the FCT.
Beyond resolving boundary-related conflicts, the governor explained, the commission will help the state fully leverage existing tax laws by clearly identifying residents liable for state taxes. He noted that Niger State has historically been shortchanged due to the absence of clearly demarcated boundaries with the FCT.
“The commission is not only about boundaries; it is about justice, development, security, and revenue. Once boundaries are clearly defined, governance becomes easier, and the people benefit more,” Governor Bago stated.
He added that the commission will also play a key role in environmental sanitation and urban management, ensuring areas confirmed to belong to Niger State are properly administered. He welcomed the prospect of joint inter-state boundary development programmes, describing them as vital to promoting peace, shared infrastructure, and economic cooperation in border communities.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Niger State–FCT Boundary Commission, Baba Sule Bisalla, said the commission’s terms of reference are clear and comprehensive, focusing on identifying areas with boundary challenges and recommending practical solutions. He acknowledged the enormity of the task but expressed confidence that the experience and calibre of the commission members would ensure positive and lasting results.
The commission’s Director-General is Tanko Ibrahim Danjuma, while Barrister Muhammad Tanko Zakari serves as Secretary and Legal Adviser. Other members include the Commissioners for Lands, Justice, Investment, and Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; council chairmen from Lapai, Tafa, Gurara, and Suleja LGAs; and senior professionals such as the Surveyor-General of Niger State, Idris Aliyu Auna.
The commission’s mandate includes investigating, documenting, and resolving all boundary disputes between Niger State and the FCT; promoting dialogue, mediation, and reconciliation among affected communities; and recommending legal, administrative, and policy measures to prevent future conflicts.
It is also tasked with collaborating with the National Boundary Commission and other relevant authorities, facilitating joint development initiatives in border areas to improve security, infrastructure, and livelihoods, and submitting bi-annual reports to the governor.
Within six months, the commission is expected to develop a comprehensive border dispute resolution framework and produce a verified historical and geographical map of all contested areas.
The inauguration of the Niger State–FCT Boundary Commission is widely seen as a strategic move by the Bago administration to entrench peace, strengthen governance, and unlock economic opportunities in border communities.
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