Nigeria, Niger pillar demarcations resume soon-Official

Nigeria’s National Boundary Commission and its Niger Republic counterpart have resolved to continue pillar demarcations between both countries.

 This was stated following a six- day sensitization campaign in Ilela, Kadadi, Kongolam in Sokoto and Kastina states of Nigeria and the corresponding towns of Birnin Konni, Dan Tudun Mozage and Mai Mujiya of Niger Republic.

 The exercise, which was held from 10th to 15th November, 2020, was aimed at creating awareness for the pillar demarcation as well as initiating peace process to ensure convivial relationships between border communities’ dwellers in the two countries.

 A statement issued by the Nigeria agency and its Niger counterpart and signed by the NBC’s head of information, Efe Ovuakporie, said the joint sensitisation campaign at the border communities along Nigeria/Niger international borders was preparatory to the pillar demarcation of the international boundary between both countries.

 Also, the statement said the exercise was a collaborative effort between both countries and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ).

 Further, it said the support of the GIZ is part of a larger initiative by the German organization to provide services in the field of international development and cooperation through the African Union Border Program (AUBP).  

 Speaking at the occasion, the National Boundary Commission director-general, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, said the demarcation was not to cause division as often erroneously perceived by some.

 Instead, he said, the exercise by both governments would enable them to determine the actual space in which it has sovereignty and thus fast tract development process in the border communities.

 Adaji stated that it was crucial to protect the lives of the field workers and to support them throughout the duration of the demarcation exercise adding that government’s developmental efforts may not be fully realised if the environment is not conducive for work.

 Meanwhile, the permanent secretary of Niger Republic Boundary Agency, Adaojou Hussiiui, stated the importance of full sensitisation of the people by taking the campaign from community to community.

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