Governor Malam Umar Namadi has formally ended a 47-year 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 by allocating alternative farmland to 74 affected farmers within Jigawa.
The allocation ceremony, held at the Dan-Makama Forest Reserve, marks the implementation of recommendations made by the Jigawa State Boundary Committee and the National Boundary Commission (NBC), bringing to a close a decades-long disagreement that had affected relations between the neighbouring communities since the late 1970s.
Speaking at the event, Namadi described the resolution as a landmark achievement that would restore lasting peace, strengthen cross-border relations and protect the livelihoods of affected residents.
He said the dispute stemmed from the enforcement of international boundaries after members of the Jobi community, who had traditionally cultivated farmland in Kyalli, were no longer allowed to continue farming across the border.
“Today is a historic day because this misunderstanding that has existed between our people in Jobi and the people of Kyalli has finally come to an end,” the governor said, noting that the peaceful settlement reflects years of dialogue and cooperation among all parties.
Governor Namadi said while Nigeria and the Republic of Niger share deep historical, cultural and economic ties, the existence of internationally recognised borders made it necessary to respect territorial boundaries, resulting in the prolonged conflict.
He commended the National Boundary Commission for its sustained intervention, technical guidance and repeated engagements with the Jigawa State Government, saying the commission’s expertise was instrumental in reaching a peaceful resolution.
The governor also acknowledged the contributions of Aminu Usman, deputy governor of Jigawa State and chairman of the State Boundary Committee, the Emir of Gumel, the chairmen of Maigatari and Sule Tankarkar local government areas, traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders for working together to end the dispute.
Namadi further praised members of the Jobi community for accepting the relocation despite the emotional and economic challenges associated with leaving farmlands they had cultivated for many years.
Earlier, Aminu Usman said the committee was constituted by the governor to investigate the long-running 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 farmers from Jobi should discontinue cultivation on land located within the Republic of Niger, while the Jigawa State Government should provide replacement farmland within the state.
According to him, following the governor’s approval, part of the Dan-Makama Forest Reserve was converted for agricultural purposes, leading to the allocation of farmland to 74 beneficiaries affected by the dispute.
A goodwill message from Adamu Adaji, director-general of the National Boundary Commission, delivered by Yahanasu Aliyu, commended the Jigawa State Government for embracing the commission’s recommendation to provide alternative farmland.
The commission described the initiative as a practical demonstration of responsive leadership, saying it would not only safeguard the livelihoods of displaced farmers but also promote peace, stability and harmonious relations in border communities.
The resolution is expected to ease tensions along the Nigeria-Niger border, reduce the likelihood of future land-related conflicts and strengthen cooperation between communities that have maintained close cultural and family ties despite being separated by an international boundary.
