Gombe White Paper Implementation Committee Moves To Enforce Grazing, Forest And Cattle Route Reforms

News Investigators/ The White Paper Implementation Committee on the Recommendations of the Assessment Committee on Grazing Reserves, Forest Reserves, Game Reserves and Cattle Routes in Gombe State has declared its readiness to commence the practical implementation of the government’s directives, with clear timelines set to guide the process.

As part of efforts to ensure broad stakeholder engagement and seamless execution, the committee paid advocacy visits to the palaces of the Emir of Nafada His Royal Highness Muhammad Dadum Hamza, and the Emir of Funakaye, His Royal Highness Yakubu Mohammed Kwairanga, to formally brief them on the commencement of the implementation phase.

Speaking during the visits, the Chairman of the Implementation Committee, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Babaji Sunday (Rtd.), said the committee is poised to faithfully implement the letter and spirit of the recommendations approved by the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON.

He emphasized that the committee is seeking the active collaboration of traditional institutions to ensure the smooth enforcement of regulations guiding gazetted grazing reserves, forest reserves, game reserves and designated cattle routes across the state.

According to him, the development will deliver significant security and economic benefits for the state, particularly by preventing the recurring farmer-herder conflicts experienced in several parts of the country.

The committee chairman noted that advocacy and sensitization have already commenced ahead of the 2026 farming season to ensure that all stakeholders are adequately informed and that necessary measures are taken in good time to avert potential disputes.

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 committee’s assignment as critical to preserving the peace and stability currently enjoyed in the state.

He stressed that proper enforcement of designated land-use areas would help prevent tensions and insecurity that have escalated in other states.

The monarch urged residents to put their farmlands in order and avoid encroaching on gazetted forest reserves, grazing reserves, game reserves and cattle routes, warning that violators risk eviction in line with the law.

Both emirs pledged their full cooperation with the committee, assuring that traditional institutions would work closely with local government chairmen, ward heads and Ardos to ensure compliance and community awareness.

Similarly, the chairmen of Funakaye and Nafada Local Government Areas pledged their full support for the initiative, noting that the long-term benefits of the reforms would outlive the present administration by strengthening security, boosting agricultural productivity and improving the overall economic and social well-being of the people of Gombe State.