The Jigawa State Government, working with the National Boundary Commission, has settled a 47-year-old farmland dispute. This issue involved communities on the border of Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.
The dispute started in 1979 between the Jobi community in Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa and the Kyalli community in the Zinder Region of Niger. Over nearly five decades, it disrupted farming, strained relationships, and even led to loss of lives.
The resolution was made possible by the Jigawa State Boundary Committee, headed by Deputy Governor Aminu Usman. The team made joint visits with NBC officials and held talks with traditional leaders, security agencies, and community heads from both Nigeria and Niger.
During a presentation of new farmlands to the affected farmers, Mr Usman said the state government moved 74 Nigerian farmers to Sule Tankarkar Local Government Area. This was done to permanently resolve the conflict and prevent future issues at the border. He added that the committee made two main recommendations. First, Jobi community members must stop farming on lands owned by the Kyalli community in Niger. Second, the Jigawa State Government needed to provide alternative farmland in Nigeria for the affected Jobi farmers.
Mr Usman noted that following these recommendations, Governor Umar Namadi approved the conversion of part of the Dan-Makama Forest Reserve for farming. This change was made to secure new farmland through the State Ministry of Lands, Housing, Urban Development, and Regional Planning.
At the official ceremony in Sule Tankarkar Local Government Area, Governor Namadi shared that over 100 plots of farmland were allocated within Nigeria. This plan directly benefits 74 main farmers affected by the border issue, with extra plots set aside for 30 other community members to support their livelihoods.
“This dispute has lasted for 47 years,” Governor Namadi said. “We thank Almighty Allah for allowing us to see its peaceful resolution. We appreciate the National Boundary Commission and everyone who worked hard to bring lasting peace. Peace and good neighborliness are key, as both communities share strong family ties, culture, religion, and a long history together.”
In a goodwill message from the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Mr Adamu Adaji, Deputy Director of International Boundaries, Yahanasu Aliyu, praised Jigawa State Government's proactive approach.
The Commission noted that Jigawa’s quick action to find and approve new farmland showed a strong commitment to support citizens while ensuring regional stability.
The NBC encouraged Jobi residents to accept the new farmland in the spirit of peace, mutual respect, and good neighborliness. They highlighted their commitment to improving border governance and security across Nigeria.
Beneficiaries Share Their Stories
Some of the resettled farmers shared their experiences with reporters, saying life in the Niger Republic was tough. Ado Musa mentioned, “For years, our farmland was taken and left uncultivated. To make it worse, after we had paid land taxes for years, the authorities took away our land rights.”
“After this incident, many people suffered greatly, leading to deaths and leaving families with nothing. Thankfully, the state government stepped in and gave us new farmland within Nigeria to help us recover our economic strength.”
Another beneficiary, Mr Bello, described the hardships farmers faced after losing their land in Niger. According to Mr Bello, the emotional and financial challenges were severe, leading to many deaths due to conflicts between groups and leaving many without a way to earn a living.
But Mr Bello said relief has finally come as the state government has helped rebuild the community's economy by giving new farmland to the displaced farmers.
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