Gombe Governor Sets Up Committee to Enforce White Paper on Grazing Reserves and Cattle Routes.

The Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has given approval for the establishment of a high-level committee charged with the responsibility of implementing the White Paper Report on the assessment of grazing reserves, forest reserves, game reserves, and designated cattle routes throughout the state.

This development was made public in an official statement issued by the Director-General of Press Affairs at the Government House in Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli. According to the statement, the approval was formally communicated by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, who emphasized that the committee is made up of representatives drawn from critical sectors relevant to land use, livestock management, environmental protection, and security.

The committee brings together officials from major security agencies, key government ministries and departments, traditional institutions, as well as representatives of farmers’ and herders’ associations. In addition, technical experts and regulatory bodies were included to ensure that the implementation process is comprehensive, transparent, and effective across all affected areas of the state.

Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Babaji Sunday, has been appointed as the chairman of the committee. Other appointed members include Yusuf Madi, Director of Livestock, and Suleiman Musa Kumo, Director of Forestry, who are expected to contribute their professional expertise to the execution of the White Paper recommendations.

Also named as members of the committee are the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, the State Director of Security, the Commandant of the 301 Field Artillery Regiment in Gombe, and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Their inclusion underscores the government’s intention to maintain peace, enforce compliance, and address security concerns that may arise during the implementation process.

Traditional institutions are also represented, with the Emir of Yamaltu, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, serving on behalf of the Gombe State Council of Emirs and Chiefs. This move highlights the importance of community engagement and traditional leadership in managing land-related issues and resolving potential conflicts.

Representing organized farming and herding groups are Alhaji Ardo Chindo Abubakar of Miyetti Allah and Alhaji Mohammed Magaji Gettado, the National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN). Their participation is expected to ensure that the interests of both farmers and pastoralists are adequately considered during implementation.

Other committee members include Surveyor Zakari Isa, the Surveyor-General of Gombe State; Dr. Kabiru Usman Hassan, Director-General of the Gombe Geographic Information System (GOGIS); Barrister Ibrahim Hussaini, representing the Ministry of Justice; and Professor Usman B. Abubakar, the State Coordinator of L-PRESS.

The Permanent Secretary (General Duties) in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Muazu Shehu, has been designated as the secretary of the committee and will coordinate its administrative activities.

The statement further clarified that all appointments take immediate effect, signaling the state government’s readiness to commence the implementation of the White Paper without delay