Lagos State Invites National Boundary Commission to Mediate Disputes with Ogun State

Strategic Insights -

Tensions have been high between Lagos and Ogun states over disputed land, particularly in the Ode-Omi axis, with both states claiming historical and administrative ownership. The Lagos State Government has taken formal steps to resolve the matter, contacting the National Boundary Commission (NBC) for mediation. The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mr. Bolaji Kayode Robert, emphasized the state's commitment to peaceful coexistence while also protecting its territorial integrity. The state has already installed 22 boundary signposts across nine Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LGAs/LCDAs) to aid in delineating boundaries and preventing potential clashes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lagos State has invited the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to mediate disputes with Ogun State over disputed land, particularly in the Ode-Omi axis.
  • Both Lagos and Ogun states claim historical and administrative ownership of the disputed land, which has led to recurring boundary tensions.
  • The state has installed 22 boundary signposts across nine LGAs/LCDAs to delineate boundaries and prevent potential clashes.
  • The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development has a Boundary Department that functions as the Secretariat of the Lagos State Boundary Committee.
  • The department has successfully resolved several intra-state boundary frictions, including those between Badagry LGA and Oriade LCDA, Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, and Ikeja LGA and Ojodu LCDA.
  • The Ministry has also worked closely with the Office of the State Surveyor-General and community leaders to ensure peaceful coexistence.
  • The state has approved 85 capital projects across the 57 councils in Lagos State and issued 14 regulatory circulars guiding council operations.
  • The Ministry has also covered the payment of over N775 million in insurance benefits to families of deceased staff of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and local governments.

Statistics:

  • 22 boundary signposts installed across nine LGAs/LCDAs to aid in delineating boundaries and preventing potential clashes.
  • 86 capital projects approved across the 57 councils in Lagos State.
  • 14 regulatory circulars issued guiding council operations.
  • Over N775 million paid in insurance benefits to families of deceased staff of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and local governments.
  • 43 special license approvals granted, and 12 church licenses distributed, and 176 marital documents distributed to LGAs and LCDAs for statutory marriages.

Sources:

  • Bolaji Kayode Robert, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Lagos State Government, Ministerial Press Briefing, Alausa, Ikeja, 2025.
  • Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State, Address to Stakeholders, November 2024.