Bauchi Sets Up Panel On Farmland Allocation In Forest Reserves

Bauchi State government has inaugurated a committee tasked with monitoring farmland allocations in the forest reserves by local government councils, as part of efforts to address recurring farmers-herders’ conflicts.

At  its inauguration yesterday, the commissioner for Lands and Survey, Abdullahi Muhammed, said previous disputes, especially the recent crisis in the Darazo local government area, stemmed from non-compliance with approved land allocation limits. He noted that the failure was the root cause of tensions and called for a proactive approach to prevent similar incidents elsewhere in the state.

The committee, chaired by Saleh Umar Misau, director of inspectorate and monitoring services of the ministry, has been given the responsibility of touring affected areas, assessing the situation, and reporting directly to Governor Bala Mohammed.

The committee mandate includes monitoring and supervising all land allocation approvals issued by the Governor, ensuring compliance with state laws on agriculture, land, and water resources and providing guidance to local governments on environmental safeguards and best practices.

The committee mandate also includes overseeing demarcation and maintenance of designated cattle routes and watering points, preventing activities that may cause soil erosion or environmental degradation, and coordinating with other relevant state officers when necessary to achieve its objectives.

The committee has been given four weeks to visit local governments, engage with officials, and submit a comprehensive report detailing land allocations, including hectares approved and reserved.

The Commissioner emphasised that indiscriminate or excessive allocation, previously common, will no longer be tolerated. He added that the allocated land is primarily intended for rural farmers to accommodate population growth and migration into the state.

He added that clear allocation limits will now guide land distribution, with strict monitoring enforced, saying that local governments are required to submit all approvals and data to the committee for proper documentation and reporting.

Abdullahi added that the resulting report will guide government decisions and policy development.

Commissioner Muhammed explained that the critical role of monitoring is ensuring approved land allocations are implemented correctly, preventing disputes, and promoting sustainable development in Bauchi State.

Saleh Umar Misau, Director, Inspectorate & Monitoring Services will lead the committee. Members include Surveyor Ali Bashir, Directorate of Survey; Surveyor Ali Ibrahim, Directorate of Survey; Daniel Babayo, Dauda Mohammed, director Forestry from Ministry of Housing & Environment, while Nasir Usman, Director, Administration will serve as Secretary.

Speaking on behalf of the committee, Secretary Nasir Usman assured that members would diligently carry out their responsibilities as required by the government.