Gombe Governor inaugurates committee to implement White Paper on grazing reserves

Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya has approved the constitution of a high-powered committee to implement the White Paper on the assessment of grazing, forest, and game reserves, as well as cattle routes across the state.

The decision, conveyed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, on Wednesday, is in line with the administration’s determination to translate policy into actionable measures that promote sustainable livestock management and peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders.

The committee is chaired by Assistant Inspector General of Police, Babaji Sunday (rtd), and comprises representatives from key security agencies, relevant ministries, traditional institutions, farmers’ and herders’ associations, as well as technical and regulatory bodies.

Members of the committee include the Director of Livestock, Yusuf Madi; Director of Forestry, Suleiman Musa Kumo; the Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command; the State Director of Security; the Commandant, 301 Field Artillery Regiment, Gombe; the Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); and the Emir of Yamaltu, HRH Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, representing the Council of Emirs and Chiefs.

Representatives of civil organizations and professional bodies on the committee include Alhaji Ardo Chindo Abubakar (Miyetti Allah); Alhaji Mohammed Magaji Gettado, National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN); Surveyor Zakari Isa, Surveyor General of Gombe State; Dr. Kabiru Usman Hassan, Director-General, Gombe Geographic Information System (GOGIS); Barrister Ibrahim Hussaini of the Ministry of Justice; and Professor Usman B. Abubakar, State Coordinator of L-PRESS.

Professor Muazu Shehu, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government (General Duties), will serve as the Committee’s Secretary. All appointments take immediate effect.
Professor Njodi emphasized that the formation of the committee aligns with Governor Yahaya’s commitment to environmental protection, effective livestock management, and ensuring harmonious relations between farming and herding communities in the state.