An Exploratory Assessment of Interstate Boundary Disputes in Nigeria

Abstract

The introduction of western model of boundary demarcation by Britain during the colonial era and its sustenance by successive governments in post-colonial Nigeria appears to have made interstate boundary dispute rampant in Nigeria. Successive post-colonial administrations have continued to create more administrative units which in turn implied reinforcing colonial boundaries or demarcating new one. This paper examines the nature/status (disputed or otherwise) of the various interstate boundaries in Nigeria as well as investigates the strategies adopted by National Boundary Commission (NBC) in managing interstate boundary disputes in Nigeria.  This study revealed that out of eighty six (86) interstate boundaries in Nigeria, forty six (46) of these boundaries are disputed; the study further revealed that the NBC’s Interstate Boundaries Technical Committee manages boundary disputes between states in Nigeria through Joint Meeting of Officials (JMO), Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) and Joint Field Team (JFT).

Keywords: Boundary, Dispute, Demarcation, Interstate, National Boundary Commission