Suletankarkar, JIGAWA, July 24, 2026
Governor Umar Namadi has resolved a 47-year-old cross-border farmland dispute between Jigawa’s Jobi community and Kyalli community in the Republic of Niger by allocating alternative farmlands to 74 affected farmers.
The resolution ended nearly five decades of tension between the neighbouring border communities over ownership and cultivation of farmlands across the Nigeria-Niger international boundary.
The allocation ceremony, held at the Dan-Makama Forest Reserve in Maigatari Local Government Area, implemented recommendations of the Jigawa State Boundary Committee and the National Boundary Commission (NBC).
Namadi described the settlement as a historic breakthrough that would restore lasting peace, strengthen cross-border relations and safeguard the livelihoods of affected farmers.
He explained that the dispute began after Jobi farmers, who had cultivated land in Kyalli for decades, were barred from continuing farming following enforcement of the international boundary.
According to the governor, the longstanding disagreement persisted despite the deep historical and cultural ties shared by Nigeria and the Republic of Niger.
He said the breakthrough followed sustained consultations and technical guidance provided by the National Boundary Commission throughout the mediation process.
Namadi commended the commission for its repeated interventions, describing its support as instrumental to achieving a peaceful and lasting resolution.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Governor Aminu Usman, members of the State Boundary Committee, traditional rulers, security agencies and other stakeholders.
The governor praised members of the Jobi community for accepting relocation with patience and understanding despite leaving lands cultivated for many years.
Earlier, Usman said the committee was constituted by Namadi to investigate the dispute and recommend a permanent solution through consultations with all relevant parties.
He said the committee recommended that Jobi farmers should discontinue farming in Kyalli, while the Jigawa Government should allocate alternative farmland within the state.
Usman said the governor approved the conversion of part of the Dan-Makama Forest Reserve for agricultural use to accommodate the affected farmers.
He disclosed that 74 beneficiaries had received alternative farmlands under the government’s resettlement programme.
In a goodwill message, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, praised Namadi’s decision to provide replacement farmland.
The message, delivered by Hajiya Yahanasu Aliyu, described the initiative as a practical demonstration of leadership that promotes peace, livelihoods and stability in border communities.
