By Khalid Idris Doya
The Yusufu Bala Usman Institute has presented research findings on land governance, ecological challenges, and insecurity in Northern Nigeria.
The findings were unveiled at a high-level stakeholders' meeting held yesterday at Jamil Hotel in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State. The event brought together participants from across Bauchi State, one of four Northern states where project research was carried out.
The other states participating in the project are Jigawa, Kaduna, and Katsina. The project is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme.
Participants comprised traditional rulers, Fulani community leaders, Hausa farmers, and religious figures, who engaged in extensive deliberations on the findings and explored practical solutions to the region’s pressing challenges.
Presenting the research, Dr. Adam Higazi, an experienced researcher on pastoralist-farmer conflicts in Nigeria and West Africa, identified Land Expropriation by politicians and agribusiness companies as major causes of land dispossession impacting farmers and herders in rural areas.
“Land acquisitions by political elites and companies are causing indiscriminate deforestation, taking over of grazing reserves and forest reserves, removal of farmland from local smallholder farmers, and obstruction of livestock routes. These are major drivers of conflict and instability in the region,” he noted.
He noted that pastoralist communities, particularly the Fulani, are increasingly losing access to grazing lands, especially in Bauchi State, due to land expropriation, ecological degradation and expanding human activities.
“This has led to the migration of many herders out of Bauchi State to other parts of Nigeria and to neighbouring countries,” Dr. Higazi added.
Dr. Higazi recommended a ban on illegal tree felling, the restoration of forest and grazing reserves such as Rigar Itas in Itas/Gadau Local Government Area and Udubo Grazing reserve, and the reopening of livestock water routes across the state.
He also recommended protecting the land rights of both smallholder farmers and pastoralists.
The Researcher also called for reforms to the Land Use Act and the establishment of a dedicated commission to address pastoralist, farming and environmental concerns.
In his remarks, Abdullahi Umar Eggi stated that the forum aimed to critically examine issues surrounding land governance, environmental degradation, and rising insecurity.
He emphasised the need to leverage stakeholders' experiences in shaping effective policy responses.
Speaking on behalf of Fulani communities, the Sarkin Fulanin Katagum, Alhaji Muhammad Jauro Gari, urged government authorities to take urgent action to address the challenges facing pastoralists.
He expressed concern over the continued loss of grazing lands and the growing hardship among Fulani herders.
Participants echoed similar concerns, stressing the need for coordinated government intervention to tackle deforestation, restore livelihoods, and strengthen peace and security across Northern Nigeria.
The meeting concluded with a collective call for sustained engagement and decisive policy actions to address the root causes of land-related conflicts and environmental challenges in the region.
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