By Muhammad H. Kwalam, Dutse
Governor Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa state, North West Nigeria, 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 flag-off of the allocation of alternative farmlands to affected farmers.
Our Correspondent 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 almost five decades.
Speaking at the event, Governor Namadi described the resolution as a historic breakthrough for Jigawa State, saying that the agreement will lead to the restoration of lasting peace and harmony in the area
The Governor recalled that although Nigeria and the Republic of Niger have long deep historical and cultural ties, the issue of international boundaries gave rise to a dispute after members of the Jobi Community who had cultivated farmlands in Kyalli Niger, were no longer permitted to continue farming there.
The realities of international boundaries meant that, for nearly forty-seven years, this unfortunate dispute persisted between these two neighbouring communities
“I wish to use this opportunity to express my profound appreciation to the National Boundary Commission for its invaluable contribution to resolving this conflict,” the Governor said.
“Governor Namadi explained that, the Commission visited Jigawa State several times—to address the issue, and as experts in boundary management, they provided the Jigawa State Government with useful advice and practical guidance that greatly assisted in bringing the longstanding dispute to a peaceful end,” he added.
The Governor 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 Governments traditional rulers; security agencies the Press and other stakeholders whose collective efforts made the peaceful resolution possible.
Governor Namadi similarly paid special tribute to the affected members of the Jobi community for accepting the relocation with patience, understanding, and faith despite the uncertainties associated with leaving their traditional lands they had cultivated for many years.
Speaking earlier, the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Engr. Aminu Usman, 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 said 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 message of goodwill from the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, represented by Hajiya Yahanasu Aliyu, praised Governor Namadi for accepting its suggestion to offer new farmlands to the affected farmers, calling this action a sign of good leadership and a real effort to support people’s lives as well as promoting peace and stability in border communities.
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