Jigawa and Zinder states of Nigeria and Niger Republic have signed a memorandum of understanding for partnership in monitoring and management of cattles and Pastoralists movement across their borders.
The MOU was signed by the Governor’s of the two states at the end of three days workshop organized for the stakeholders in the implementation of the MOU held in Dutse capital, Jigawa state.
In his speech, the Jigawa state Governor Mallam Umar Namadi said, the process was started about four years ago, with the aim of finding lasting solution to the perennial pastoralists farmers clash around the boarders of the two countries.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy Engineer Aminu Usman Gumel said, the MOU will help in creating awareness and engaging the farmers and pastoralists on the need for peaceful coexistence, abiding by the rules and regulations for cross border movement.
“Under the MOU we will work together in monitoring the pastoralist movement,farm produce trade and management for enhancing the security and ensure no any elicit trade taken place”.
According to him, they will also work to improve grazing reserves and cattles routes in both states to ensure the pastoralist have a place to graze and route to pass without intimidation or passing through farmland during their periodic migration
He therefore reiterated the commitment of Jigawa state government for the full implementation of the MOU.
In his speech, the Governor of Zinder of Niger Republic Mallam Lawwali Amadou said, the MOU will serve as a reference and a model to African countries in monitoring and management of pastoralists movement across international borders.
He added that, the MOU has security, social and economic portantial benefits to Nigeria and Niger Republic.
Lawwali Amadou noted that, they will do everything possible to ensure its full implementation with the support of all affected security agencies, government parastatals, community leaders, Civil societies and general public.
The MOu was signed with the support from ECOWAS and and other International and regional bodies during the ceremony.
Usman MZ
