GOVERNOR Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has resolved a 47-year-old cross-border farmland dispute between the Jobi Community in Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa State and the Kyalli Community in the Republic of Niger, with the official flag-off of the allocation of alternative farmlands to farmers affected by the longstanding conflict.
News Point Nigeria reports that the ceremony, held at the Dan-Makama Forest Reserve in Maigatari, marked the implementation of recommendations by the Jigawa State Boundary Committee and the National Boundary Commission (NBC), bringing to an end a dispute that had strained peaceful relations between the neighbouring border communities for nearly five decades.
Speaking at the event, Governor Namadi described the resolution as a historic breakthrough for Jigawa State, saying the agreement would restore lasting peace, harmony and cooperation between the two neighbouring communities.
The governor recalled that although Nigeria and the Republic of Niger have long enjoyed deep historical and cultural ties, the issue of international boundaries sparked the dispute after members of the Jobi Community, who had cultivated farmlands in Kyalli, Republic of Niger, were no longer permitted to continue farming there.
He noted that the realities of international boundaries meant the unfortunate dispute persisted between the neighbouring communities for almost 47 years.
“I wish to use this opportunity to express my profound appreciation to the National Boundary Commission for its invaluable contribution to resolving this conflict,” Governor Namadi said.
The governor explained that the Commission visited Jigawa State several times to address the issue and, as experts in boundary management, provided the state government with valuable advice and practical guidance that greatly assisted in bringing the longstanding dispute to a peaceful conclusion.
Governor Namadi also acknowledged the contributions of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Aminu Usman Gumel, who serves as Chairman of the Jigawa State Boundary Committee, members of the committee, the Emir of Gumel, the Chairmen of Maigatari and Sule Tankarkar Local Government Areas, traditional rulers, security agencies, the media and other stakeholders whose collective efforts made the peaceful resolution possible.
The governor paid special tribute to members of the Jobi Community affected by the dispute for accepting the relocation with patience, understanding and faith despite the uncertainties associated with leaving the traditional farmlands they had cultivated for many years.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Engr. Aminu Usman Gumel, explained that the committee was constituted by Governor Namadi to investigate the dispute and recommend a lasting solution after extensive consultations with the National Boundary Commission, traditional rulers, security agencies and representatives of both communities.
He disclosed that the committee recommended that members of the Jobi Community should discontinue farming on lands belonging to the Kyalli Community in the Republic of Niger, while the Jigawa State Government should provide suitable alternative farmland within the state.
“Following the Governor’s approval, part of the Dan-Makama Forest Reserve was converted for agricultural use, leading to the allocation of farmlands to 74 beneficiaries affected by the dispute,” he said.
In a goodwill message, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, who was represented by Hajiya Yahanasu Aliyu, commended Governor Namadi for accepting the Commission’s recommendation to allocate alternative farmlands to the affected farmers.
He described the governor’s decision as a demonstration of visionary leadership and a practical commitment to improving the lives of the people while promoting peace, stability and harmonious coexistence in Nigeria’s border communities.