Niger State deputy governor, Alhaji Mohammed Ahmed Ketso, has urged the federal government to complete the emplacement of intermediate pillars at 200m along its boundary with Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Ketso who is the chairman Niger State Boundary Committee stated this in Abuja yesterday, during the joint meeting of officials on FCT-Niger interstate boundary.
He also said natural features like River Gurara should be used as the boundary line between FCT and Niger State, at Lapai-FCT sector, while saying the current policy of FCT on land swapping should be adopted as a form of compensation payment to the communities whose land and physical structures have been conceded to FCT for which compensation has not been paid.
“I therefore wish to use this opportunity to advise on the need to continue to prevail, mobilize and sensitize our people to live peacefully with one another:
“To complete the emplacement of intermediate pillars at 200m along the boundary by the appropriate authority and assess the properties within the 3 meter vista, ensure payment of compensation to enable the National Boundary Commission to provide a vista line.
“To pay the compensation of the already assessed properties on the land conceded to FCT where it has not been paid, already carry out assessment of those that have not been carried out and paid accordingly and/or extend the policy of land swapping system to these areas in lieu of compensation. v. Use natural features like River Gurara, and watershed to define our boundary line in order to eliminate frequent claims, counter claims and conflicts along the boundary lines.
“To involve an independent Surveyor/Consultant to reaffirm the exact locations of the main and intermediate pillars in order to clear doubts about their exact locations,” he added.
On his part, the director general of National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji assured that the commission is determined to continue with all the activities that will lead to clear definition and demarcation of the boundaries of the FCT.
“I therefore solicit the support and cooperation of the stakeholders. It must be highlighted that the boundary of the Federal Capital Territory is accorded priority consideration because of its status.
“It is against this background that the Commission’s Internal Boundaries Technical Committee (1BTC) chaired by the minister of works and housing resolved that the boundaries of the FCT with her neighbours be accorded priority consideration in the definition process,” Adaji said.
