The Gombe State White Paper Implementation Committee on the Recommendations of the Assessment Committee on Grazing Reserves, Forest Reserves, Game Reserves and Cattle Routes has begun steps to enforce government directives aimed at regulating land use across the state.
The committee said the implementation phase will follow clearly defined timelines as part of efforts to ensure orderly use of designated grazing areas, forest reserves and cattle routes.
As part of its stakeholder engagement drive, members of the committee paid advocacy visits to the palaces of the Emir of Nafada, Muhammad Hamza, and the Emir of Funakaye, Yakubu Kwairanga, to brief them on the commencement of the implementation process.
Speaking on Thursday during the visits, Chairman of the Implementation Committee, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Babaji Sunday (Rtd.), said the committee is fully prepared to carry out the mandate approved by the state government.
“We are committed to implementing the letter and spirit of the recommendations approved by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. Our aim is to ensure that gazetted grazing reserves, forest reserves, game reserves and designated cattle routes are properly regulated for the benefit of all,” Babaji said.
He explained that collaboration with traditional institutions was critical to ensuring compliance and peaceful enforcement of the regulations across communities.
“We are here to seek the active support of the traditional institutions because they play a key role in community mobilisation and awareness. Their cooperation will ensure smooth implementation of these reforms,” he added.
Babaji noted that the initiative would deliver significant security and economic benefits, particularly by reducing the recurring farmer–herder conflicts recorded in several parts of the country.
He disclosed that advocacy and sensitisation campaigns had already begun ahead of the 2026 farming season.
“We have commenced sensitisation across communities to ensure that all stakeholders understand the new measures before the farming season begins. This is to prevent misunderstandings and disputes,” he said.
Also speaking, the Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, who represents the Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs on the Implementation Committee, described the assignment as vital to sustaining peace in the state.
“This assignment is critical to preserving the peace and stability currently enjoyed in Gombe State. Proper enforcement of designated land-use areas will help us avoid the kind of tensions and insecurity witnessed in some other states,” the monarch said.
He advised residents to regularise their farmlands and avoid encroaching on gazetted reserves and cattle routes.
“People must ensure that their farmlands are properly organised and must avoid encroaching on forest reserves, grazing reserves, game reserves and cattle routes. Anyone who violates these regulations risks eviction in accordance with the law,” he warned.
The Emir of Nafada and the Emir of Funakaye both pledged the full support of their traditional institutions for the reforms, assuring that district heads, ward leaders and Ardos would help sensitise communities and ensure compliance.
Similarly, the chairmen of Funakaye and Nafada Local Government Areas expressed readiness to support the committee’s work, noting that the reforms would strengthen security, boost agricultural productivity and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of residents.
They added that the long-term benefits of the initiative would outlive the present administration and contribute to sustainable development across Gombe State.
