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

The meeting, held at the Anambra Country Club, Awka, reaffirmed the commitment of both states to pursuing a peaceful resolution of the interstate boundary issue while promoting unity, mutual understanding and lasting peace among affected communities.

The session, which was attended by the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, and his Abia State counterpart, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, called on all stakeholders to embrace dialogue and avoid actions capable of undermining the longstanding relationship between communities on both sides of the boundary.

In his welcome address, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Boundary Matters and representative of the Anambra State Boundary Committee, Hon. Ekenechukwu Okoye, reiterated the state's commitment to resolving the dispute through constitutional means, dialogue and strict adherence to established legal procedures.

He noted that boundary issues extend beyond geographical lines, affecting the identity, livelihoods and daily lives of the people, and therefore require sincerity, fairness and professionalism to achieve a lasting solution.

Speaking at 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, approximately 15 kilometres had already been jointly traced and provisionally demarcated, while work was ongoing to resolve the remaining eight-kilometre stretch.

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

Also speaking, the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Hon. Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, described the meeting as another opportunity to strengthen the enduring relationship between the two sister states.

He commended the National Boundary Commission for sustaining dialogue and praised both state governments for demonstrating a commitment to peace throughout the negotiation process.

"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 also participated in the meeting.

A major highlight of the gathering was the review of reports presented by the Joint Technical Committee, mediation sessions involving key stakeholders, and deliberations on recommendations aimed at resolving the outstanding eight-kilometre section of the interstate boundary.

At the end of the meeting, officials from both states signed a communiqué reaffirming their commitment to dialogue, peaceful coexistence and the speedy completion of the boundary delineation exercise.