By Philomina Attah

The Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dasuki Arabi, says effective and efficient boundary management is crucial for the success of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Arabi, who stated this at a “Lunch Time Seminar” held in Abuja on Thursday, added that effective boundary management is also the foundation upon which Nigeria’s future success must be built.

According to him, boundary issues in Nigeria are multifaceted and deeply rooted, adding that they are beyond mere geographical demarcations or lines on a map.

The BPSR boss noted that unresolved boundary disputes could and have led to violent conflicts, loss of lives, displacement of communities, and prolonged social unrest.

He cited infamous disputes such as the Benue-Nasarawa tension and the Bakassi Peninsula standoff with Cameroon as stark reminders of the stakes involved.

“Boarder management is essential in achieving President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on peace-building, economic revitalisation, and inclusive governance.

“Under the steady leadership of Adamu Adaji, the National Boundary Commission has championed non-violent solutions through community consultations, joint field inspections, and the use of cutting-edge geospatial technology.

“These efforts reflect a new vision, one that treats boundaries not as barriers, but as bridges for mutual coexistence and shared growth,” he said.

Arabi emphasised the transformative potential of modern technology in boundary management.

According to him, tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite imagery, and drone mapping now offer unprecedented accuracy and transparency.

“Innovations such as blockchain for land registry and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for conflict prediction are setting new standards for integrity and foresight.

“These technologies do not only enhance precision but also foster trust and cooperation among all stakeholders.

“They are directly aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises peace-building, economic revitalisation, and inclusive governance,” he said.

The D-G also stressed the vital role of public servants, adding that their diligence, sensitivity, and understanding of the legal, cultural, and economic dimensions of boundary issues could either build peace or sow discord.

“We must be proactive, fair, and inclusive. If we are to transform boundaries from flashpoints of conflict into platforms for national unity and sustainable development.”

The Director-General, National Boundary Commission (NBC), Adamu Adaji, highlighted the commission’s proactive reforms aimed at resolving boundary related challenges across Nigeria.

Adaji who spoke on “Public Service Reforms: The Perspective of the National Boundary Commission,” emphasised that the Commission was aligning its efforts with the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda.

He said that this would ensure that boundaries are no longer perceived as lines of division, but as opportunities for connection and growth.

According to Adaji, the commission has been collaborating closely with security agencies and other relevant bodies to implement reforms that foster peace and security along Nigeria’s territorial borders.

These initiatives, he noted, have already begun to yield positive results, enhancing socio-economic growth and development in border communities.

“Our commission is now recognised as a model for African border dispute resolution and peacebuilding.

“The reforms have led to a peaceful border regime and paved the way for Nigeria’s continued economic growth and development,” he said.

Despite these achievements, Adaji acknowledged that boundary management in Nigeria still faced significant hurdles.

He, however, identified several challenges, including ambiguities and typographical errors in the delimitation instruments inherited from colonial times, inaccuracies in early surveys, and the complex geography of many border areas.

“Additionally, hostility from some host communities, difficult terrain, divergent interpretations of legal instruments, and limited funding have posed persistent obstacles.

“To address these issues, the NBC is working in close synergy with state and local government boundary committees, striving to promote effective boundary management across the nation.

Adaji, however, called for increased and timely funding to enable the commission build on its successes and overcome the remaining challenges.

“With its ongoing reforms and collaborative approach, the Commission is setting a new standard for border management in Africa, turning lines of separation into avenues for peace, cooperation, and prosperity.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event, organised by BPSR is a platform for policy dialogue, intellectual engagement, and cross-sectoral learning within the public service space.

It focuses on reform measures put in place by the National Boundary Commission in curtailing reoccurring conflict within local and international boundaries.

The event is also an avenue to discuss areas for economic integration and growth development, as well as challenges and the way forward. (NAN)