After nearly five decades of uncertainty, tension and interrupted livelihoods, a longstanding cross border farmland dispute between communities in Nigeria and the Republic of Niger has finally been brought to an end, as Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, flagged off the allocation of alternative farmlands to farmers affected by the conflict.
The landmark resolution ends a 47-year dispute between the Jobi Community in Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa State and the Kyalli Community in the Republic of Niger, a disagreement that had disrupted peaceful coexistence between the neighbouring communities for generations.
The development was announced in a statement issued on July 23, 2026, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel.
The flag off ceremony, held at the Dan Makama Forest Reserve, marked the implementation of recommendations made by the Jigawa State Boundary Committee in collaboration with the National Boundary Commission, bringing closure to one of the state’s longest running boundary related disputes.
Governor Namadi described the resolution as a historic achievement that would restore lasting peace and strengthen the age long relationship between the people of Jigawa State and their neighbours across the border.
“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,” the governor said.
He explained that although Nigeria and the Republic of Niger share deep historical, cultural and social ties, the existence of international boundaries created difficulties after farmers from Jobi, who had cultivated lands in Kyalli for many years, were prevented from continuing their farming activities.
According to him, the disagreement lingered for 47 years before the state government, working with the National Boundary Commission and other stakeholders, succeeded in finding a peaceful solution.
“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 said.
Governor Namadi commended the National Boundary Commission for its sustained technical support and repeated engagements with the Jigawa State Government throughout the mediation process.
He said the Commission’s expertise in boundary management and conflict resolution played a decisive role 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 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 added.
The governor also acknowledged the contributions of Deputy Governor Engr. Aminu Usman, who chairs the Jigawa State Boundary Committee, alongside 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 resolution possible.
He reserved special appreciation for members of the Jobi Community, describing their willingness to relocate from lands they had cultivated for decades as a remarkable demonstration of patience, understanding and faith.
“Our greatest appreciation goes to the people of Jobi. 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,” he said.
Earlier, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Boundary Committee, Engr. Aminu Usman, said the committee was established by Governor Namadi to investigate the dispute and recommend a lasting solution after extensive consultations with the National Boundary Commission, traditional institutions, security agencies and representatives of both communities.
He disclosed that the committee recommended that members of the Jobi Community should discontinue farming on lands located within the Kyalli Community in the Republic of Niger, while the Jigawa State Government should provide them with alternative farmland within the state.
Usman said the government subsequently approved the conversion of part of the Dan Makama Forest Reserve into agricultural land, leading to the allocation of farmland to 74 beneficiaries affected by the dispute.
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 praised Governor Namadi for accepting its recommendation to provide replacement farmlands for the affected farmers.
The Commission described the governor’s decision as an example of responsive leadership that not only protected the livelihoods of the affected communities but also promoted peace, stability and harmonious relations in Nigeria’s border areas.
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