Governor Malam Umar Namadi has resolved a 47-year-old cross-border farmland dispute between the Jobi Community in the Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa State and the Kyalli Community in the Republic of Niger, with the flag-off of the allocation of alternative farmlands to affected farmers.
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 to an end a dispute that had strained peaceful relations between the neighbouring border communities for nearly five decades.
Speaking at the event, Governor Namadi described the resolution as a historic breakthrough for Jigawa State, saying that the agreement will lead to the restoration of lasting peace and harmony in the area.
“Alhamdulillah. Today is a historic day, as Allah has brought us together in this town 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,” he said.
The governor recalled that although Nigeria and the Republic of Niger have long enjoyed deep historical and cultural ties, the realities of international boundaries gave rise to a dispute after members of the Jobi Community who had cultivated farmlands in Kyalli were no longer permitted to continue farming there.
“Although Nigeria and the Republic of Niger are sister nations with deep historical and cultural ties, the realities of international boundaries meant that, for nearly forty-seven years, this unfortunate dispute persisted between these two neighbouring communities.
“Our people from Jobi had farmlands, which they cultivated in Kyalli. A disagreement later arose when the people of Kyalli objected to their continued use of the land, resulting in a prolonged conflict. After forty-seven years of misunderstanding, Allah’s appointed time has finally come, for everything happens according to His will. Today, by the grace of Allah, this dispute has come to an end.”
He commended the National Boundary Commission for its sustained intervention and technical support throughout the resolution process, noting that its repeated engagements with the state were instrumental in achieving a peaceful settlement.
“I wish to use this opportunity to express my profound appreciation to the National Boundary Commission for its invaluable contribution to resolving this conflict. The Commission visited Jigawa State repeatedly—multiple times—to address this issue. As experts in boundary management, they provided the Jigawa State Government with sound advice and practical guidance that greatly assisted in bringing this longstanding dispute to a peaceful resolution,” he stated.
The Governor also acknowledged the contributions of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Aminu Usman, who serves as Chairman of the Jigawa State Boundary Committee, members of the committee, the Emir of Gumel; the Chairmen of Maigatari and Sule Tankarkar Local Government Areas; traditional rulers; security agencies; and other stakeholders whose collective efforts made the peaceful resolution possible.
Governor Namadi paid special tribute to the affected members of the Jobi community for accepting the relocation with patience, understanding, and faith despite the uncertainties associated with leaving lands they had cultivated for many years.
“Our greatest appreciation goes to the people of Jobi. In life, whenever people have become accustomed to living, trading, or pursuing their livelihoods in a particular place, being asked to relocate is never easy. It naturally brings feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, as one may fear losing the means of livelihood built over many years,” the governor said.
Speaking earlier, the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Engr. Aminu Usman, explained that the committee was constituted by Governor Namadi to investigate the dispute and recommend a lasting solution after extensive consultations with the National Boundary Commission, traditional rulers, security agencies, and representatives of both communities.
He said the committee recommended that members of the Jobi Community should discontinue farming on lands belonging to the Kyalli Community in the Republic of Niger, while the Jigawa State Government should provide suitable alternative farmland within the state.
“Following the Governor’s approval, part of the Dan-Makama Forest Reserve was converted for agricultural use, leading to the allocation of farmland to 74 beneficiaries affected by the dispute,” he said.
In a message of goodwill from the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Surveyor Adamu Adaji, delivered by Hajiya Yahanasu Aliyu, the Commission praised Governor Namadi for accepting its suggestion to offer new farmland to the affected farmers, calling this action a sign of good leadership and a real effort to support people’s lives while promoting peace and stability in border communities.
Hamisu Mohammed Gumel
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Government House, Dutse
July 23, 2026
