Bago sets up 21-man boundary disputes resolution committee

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has inaugurated a 21-committee to resolve boundary disputes across the 25 Local Government Areas of the state, with his deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba as its chairman.

The governor, who inaugurated the committee during the State Executive Council meeting in Minna on Monday, said it was saddled with the responsibility ensuring peaceful co-existence among communities in the state.

Bago acknowledged that the state was faced with insecurity and inter communal clashes.

He said the role of traditional institutions in resolving such challenges could not be over emphasised and assured the committee of government’s support to deliver on its mandates.

He advised the committee members to look at inter-emirate boundary issues as their preliminary work before delving into intra communal boundary disputes.

Bago gave the committee a 6-month deadline to submit its report, though he said it can be extended if necessary.

It was reported that the 21 member committee also has as its members Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers Yahaya Abubakar and the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Mu’azu Barau.

Other members include, the Emir of Borgu, Haliru Kitoro IV, Emir of Minna, Alh. Umar Bahago, Emir of Suleja Mal. Muhammad Awwal, Emir of Lapai Umar Bago, Emir of Agaie, Yusuf Nuhu and Emir of Kagara Ahmad Gunna.

The Surveyor-General, Ministry of Lands and Survey will serve as the secretary of the committee which also has the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Maurice Magaji and Commissioner for Information Binta Mamman as members, among others.