Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has inaugurated a State Boundary Committee aimed at resolving persistent boundary disputes across the state's 25 local government areas.

The committee, which will be chaired by Deputy Governor Comrade Yakubu Garba, was officially established during the State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Minna on May 12, 2025, according to a statement signed by Bologi Ibrahim, the Governor's Chief Press Secretary.

While inaugurating the committee, Governor Bago emphasized that the initiative was designed to secure the state's future and foster peaceful coexistence among communities through clear boundary demarcation. He acknowledged the ongoing security challenges and recurring inter-communal clashes affecting parts of the state.

"This committee has been established to address the recurring boundary disputes that have caused tension in our communities. Clear boundary demarcation will promote peaceful coexistence and reduce conflicts," the governor stated.

Governor Bago highlighted the crucial role of traditional institutions in resolving boundary disputes, expressing confidence in the ability of royal fathers to support the committee's work. He assured the committee of the state government's full backing, including provision of logistics, security, and other essential resources.

The governor directed the committee to begin its assignment by addressing inter-emirate boundary matters before proceeding to intra-communal disputes. He noted that all properly defined boundaries would be documented and gazetted by the government for legal and administrative clarity.

The 21-member committee has been given a six-month deadline to complete its work and submit a comprehensive report, with the possibility of an extension if necessary.

Committee Composition

The committee comprises prominent traditional rulers including the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar; Emir of Kontagora, Mu'azu Barau; Emir of Borgu, Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV; Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Faruk Bahago; Emir of Suleja, Malam Muhammad Awwal; Emir of Lapai, Umar Tafida Bago; Emir of Agaie, Yusuf Nuhu; and Emir of Kagara, Ahmad Garba Gunna.

Government officials on the committee include the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Maurice Magaji; Commissioner for Information, Binta Mamman; Commissioner for Local Government, Hamidu Jantabo; and the State Attorney General, Nasiru Mu'azu.

Security agencies are represented by the Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman; the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS); and the Comptroller of Immigration.

The committee also includes zonal representatives: retired Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Habiba Ahmad (representing Zone B); Abdullahi Danjuma Adamu (representing Zone C); and Surveyor Kudu Nagya (representing Zone A). The Surveyor General of the Ministry of Lands and Survey will serve as the committee's secretary.

Analysts believe this initiative could significantly reduce community tensions and provide a framework for resolving long-standing territorial disputes that have occasionally led to violence in different parts of the state.