HiiL launches guidelines to curb farmer-herder conflicts in Kaduna
The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) has unveiled comprehensive guidelines aimed at preventing and resolving land disputes between farmers and herders, in a renewed effort to strengthen peace
- By AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna
The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) has unveiled comprehensive guidelines aimed at preventing and resolving land disputes between farmers and herders, in a renewed effort to strengthen peace and security across Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch in Kaduna, HiiL Operations Officer, Maryam Abba, said the guidelines were developed through extensive consultations with stakeholders across conflict-prone states.
“This is the outcome of rigorous research involving key informant interviews and focus group discussions to ensure diverse perspectives were captured,” she said, stressing that the process was deliberately inclusive to reflect the realities of the most affected communities.
Abba explained that the initiative forms part of HiiL’s intervention under the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria Programme (SPRING), funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
According to her, the programme has already built local capacity across multiple states to promote non-violent dispute resolution mechanisms.
“We trained 2,400 people across four states, including 600 in Kaduna. Our expectation is to reduce the burden of farmer-herder cases in courts through mediation and community-based dispute resolution,” she said.
She added that the guidelines are designed to empower communities to address grievances early and prevent disputes from degenerating into violence.
Also speaking, SPRING State Representative, Baro Emmanuel, said the programme is focused on strengthening institutional capacity and building resilience within communities.
“The goal is to ensure conflicts, particularly farmer-herder disputes, are resolved through peaceful channels while strengthening trust in institutions,” he said.
Emmanuel expressed optimism that the guidelines would not only reduce tensions but also promote peaceful coexistence among diverse groups across the state.
Stakeholders at the event, including community leaders, civil society actors, and local mediators, described the guidelines as a timely and practical intervention.
They noted that the framework provides workable tools for dialogue, negotiation, and reconciliation, while reducing dependence on overstretched courts.
Many participants expressed confidence that the initiative would help rebuild trust between farmers and herders, who often find themselves in competition over land and natural resources.
In his remarks, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Sule Shuaibu, said the initiative would consolidate the gains recorded in addressing insecurity since 2023.
He recalled that insecurity was the most pressing challenge inherited by the present administration but noted that the situation has improved considerably.
“Today, the narrative has changed. We have adopted inclusive approaches and early warning systems that enable us to address conflicts before they escalate,” Shuaibu said.
The commissioner commended HiiL for its sustained interventions in Kaduna State, urging the organization to expand its support in the security sector.
“I would want to use this opportunity to thank and congratulate HiiL for the wonderful work they are doing in Kaduna State. Like Oliver Twist, we always ask for more. I know they have done similar interventions in the aspect of law. In this aspect of security, I am sure they will still be willing to do more,” he said.
He also urged communities to embrace the guidelines as a pathway to lasting peace and stability across the state.
