FCTA, Niger intensify move to end boundary dispute

In a bid to permanently put an end to the lingering land dispute involving the FCT Administration and Niger state, both parties have initiated moves to determine the demarcation of the land between the two territories.

This followed the recent demolition of about 200 structures in the border town of Dakwa by authorities of the FCT Administration.

The decision to re-establish the boundary line was reached at a meeting attended by representatives of the government of Niger state and the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja this weekend.

Director, FCTA department of Development Control, Muktar Galadima, who hosted the meeting called on parties involved in the boundary dispute, especially the Chairman, Tafa Local Government Area to suspend all developments in the disputed area pending determination of the exact boundary.

“You have great work to do, maybe through your ward heads to stop all developments so we won’t have colossal loss when the correct boundary is determined,” he advised and revealed that the Dakwa area was earmarked for the Abuja Automotive Village.

Niger state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Moukhtar Nasale disclosed that his state had to calm down nerves of the affected residents, even as he noted that there was no need for Niger and FCT to bicker over land, but rather maintain their cordial relationship.

“We got a distress call over the demolition exercise in Dakwa as well as a report from Tafa Local Government Area and due to the nature of the report, which appeared confrontational the governor detailed the deputy governor to intervene.

“We talked to the residents to calm down and not to take the laws into their hands. Most of FCT land was donated by Niger state, so there is no need for us to bicker over land,” he added.

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The commissioner also disclosed that there was a comprehensive boundary committee set up to resolve the matter and the committee will submit its report soon, adding that they were happy the FCTA suspended further demolition exercise in Dakwa.

He however, hoped that “we believe that the area falls under the jurisdiction of Niger state and the FCT is saying the same thing. So, we are here to look at the grey areas before the committee concludes its findings.”

Responding, Director, FCT department of Survey, Muhammed Mahmood countered by saying Dakwa was actually in the FCT and not in Niger state.

“It is just that we have not gone round to trace the boundary. There are 17 pillars some of which it is possible must’ve been removed by developments. We will re-establish them and erect intermediate points,” he said.

Mahmood, while hinting on the possibility of compensating those who will likely be affected, called for all to keep the mandatory distance on either sides of the boundary.

The two parties therefore, agreed to meet soon in Minna, the Niger state capital to finalise discussions and constitute a technical team that would trace the boundary and clear the confusion.