Officials from the governments of Anambra and Abia States, including representatives of their deputy governors and traditional rulers from both states, on Thursday met with the National Boundary Commission (NBC) in Awka to advance efforts toward resolving the longstanding boundary dispute between the two neighbouring states.

The meeting, held at the Anambra Country Club, Awka, reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to pursuing a peaceful resolution of the interstate boundary issue while calling for wisdom, unity and continued harmony among communities on both sides of the boundary.

The session, which was briefly attended by the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, and his Abia State counterpart, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, encouraged stakeholders to embrace dialogue and avoid actions capable of disrupting the long-standing relationship between the affected communities.

Delivering the welcome address on behalf of the Anambra State Boundary Committee, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters, Hon. Ekenechukwu Okoye, reiterated the state's commitment to resolving the dispute through constitutional provisions, constructive dialogue and established legal procedures.

He noted that boundary matters directly affect the identity, livelihoods and well-being of the people, stressing that sincerity, fairness and professionalism are essential to achieving a lasting solution.

Speaking during the meeting, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu A. Adaji, commended both state governments for maintaining a peaceful approach to the dispute over the years.

He disclosed that of the 23-kilometre boundary shared by Anambra and Abia States, about 15 kilometres had already been jointly traced and provisionally demarcated, while work continues to resolve the remaining eight-kilometre section.

According to him, the commission remains committed to providing the technical expertise and institutional support needed to complete the exercise in line with historical records, legal instruments and established procedures.

Representing the Abia State Government, the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, described the meeting as another important step toward strengthening the peaceful relationship between the two sister states.

He commended the National Boundary Commission for sustaining dialogue throughout the process and praised both state governments for their commitment to peaceful negotiations.

“As neighbours, we may be separated by administrative boundaries, but we share the same ancestry, culture, and common aspirations. The monuments we erect should become symbols of peace and not division,” he said.

Traditional rulers from both states were also in attendance, lending their support to the ongoing efforts to achieve a lasting settlement.

A major highlight of the meeting was the extensive deliberation on reports presented by the Joint Technical Committee, mediation sessions involving stakeholders and the review of recommendations aimed at resolving the outstanding eight-kilometre portion of the interstate boundary.

At the end of the meeting, officials endorsed and signed a communiqué reaffirming their collective commitment to dialogue, peaceful coexistence and the timely completion of the boundary delineation exercise.