Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has resolved a 47-year cross-border farmland dispute between the Jobi Community in Maigatari Local Government Area and the Kyalli Community in the Republic of Niger by flagging off the allocation of alternative farmlands to affected farmers.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, said in a statement that the ceremony, held at the Dan-Makama Forest Reserve, marked the implementation of recommendations by the Jigawa State Boundary Committee and the National Boundary Commission (NBC), bringing the long-running dispute to an end.
Speaking at the event, Governor Namadi described the resolution as a historic milestone, expressing optimism that it would restore lasting peace, harmony and good neighbourliness between the two border communities.
He recalled that although Nigeria and the Republic of Niger share longstanding historical and cultural ties, the international boundary led to disagreements after farmers from Jobi were no longer allowed to cultivate farmlands located in Kyalli.
The governor thanked the National Boundary Commission for its sustained technical support and repeated engagements, which he said were instrumental in achieving a peaceful settlement of the nearly five-decade-old dispute.
Governor Namadi also commended the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Jigawa State Boundary Committee, Engr. Aminu Usman, members of the committee, the Emir of Gumel, chairmen of Maigatari and Sule Tankarkar local government areas, traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders for their contributions to the successful resolution.
He paid tribute to members of the Jobi Community for accepting the relocation with patience and understanding despite the challenges associated with leaving farmlands they had cultivated for many years.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor, Engr. Aminu Usman, said the committee was established by Governor Namadi to investigate the dispute and recommend a lasting solution after consultations with the National Boundary Commission, traditional rulers, security agencies and representatives of both communities.
He explained that the committee recommended that Jobi farmers should stop cultivating lands belonging to the Kyalli Community in the Republic of Niger, while the Jigawa State Government should provide suitable alternative farmland within the state.
According to him, Governor Namadi approved the conversion of part of the Dan-Makama Forest Reserve into agricultural land, leading to the allocation of alternative farmlands to 74 affected farmers.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, the Commission commended Governor Namadi for approving the allocation of new farmlands, describing the initiative as a demonstration of visionary leadership that promotes peace, livelihoods and stability in border communities.
Usman Muhammed Zaria
