The Jigawa State Government has resolved a 47-year-old cross-border farmland dispute between the Jobi community in Maigatari Local Government Area and the Kyalli community in the Republic of Niger by allocating alternative farmlands to affected farmers.
Governor Umar Namadi flagged off the allocation on Thursday at the Dan-Makama Forest Reserve following the implementation of recommendations by the National Boundary Commission and the Jigawa State Boundary Committee.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, said the intervention ended a dispute that had strained relations between the neighbouring border communities for nearly five decades.
Namadi described the resolution as a major milestone in promoting peaceful coexistence and cross-border harmony.
“Today is a historic day as Allah has brought us together to bring to an end the misunderstanding that has existed between our people in Jobi, Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa State, and the people of Kyalli in the Republic of Niger,” the governor said.
He explained that the dispute arose after residents of Jobi, who had cultivated farmland in Kyalli for many years, were prevented from accessing the land following the enforcement of international boundary regulations.
The governor commended the National Boundary Commission for its technical support and mediation, while praising the Deputy Governor, Engr. Aminu Usman, members of the State Boundary Committee, traditional rulers, local government officials and security agencies for their contributions to the peaceful resolution.
“Our greatest appreciation goes to the people of Jobi. Relocating from lands cultivated for many years is never easy, but they accepted this decision with patience, understanding and faith in the interest of lasting peace,” Namadi added.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Jigawa State Boundary Committee, Engr. Aminu Usman, said the committee recommended that farmers from Jobi should stop cultivating land within the Kyalli community in the Republic of Niger, while the state government should provide alternative farmland within Jigawa.
According to him, Governor Namadi approved the conversion of part of the Dan-Makama Forest Reserve for agricultural use, leading to the allocation of replacement farmlands to 74 affected farmers.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, by Hajiya Yahanasu Aliyu, the commission commended the governor for implementing its recommendations, describing the decision as a demonstration of responsive leadership and commitment to peaceful border management.
West Trybe reports that Nigeria and the Republic of Niger share a long and porous border across several northern states, where farming, grazing and trade activities often overlap. The peaceful resolution of the long-standing dispute is expected to strengthen cross-border relations, improve security and enhance agricultural livelihoods in the affected communities.
