Abuja: The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) on Monday unveiled the Land Justice Guidelines aimed at the prevention and resolution of conflicts between farmers and herders in the Nigerian states of Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau, and Benue. Mrs. Ijeoma Nwafor, the HiiL Country Representative, highlighted efforts to support communities in resolving these conflicts fairly.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the guidelines are part of HiiL’s work under the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRING) Programme, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The programme aims to support communities and institutions in preventing conflict, strengthening resilience, and promoting peaceful coexistence in areas affected by farmer-herder disputes.
Nwafor explained that the guidelines are the result of extensive research and consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, legal experts, and key stakeholders across the affected states. She emphasized the increasing insecurity and tension arising from conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria, often rooted in disputes over land, water, and other natural resources.
She reiterated HiiL’s commitment to collaborating with government institutions, civil society organisations, researchers, and community leaders to enhance access to justice and promote peaceful dispute resolution. HiiL focuses on People-Centred Justice by developing practical, data-driven, and innovative solutions to empower individuals and communities to address their justice-related challenges.
The guidelines offer practical and evidence-based approaches for preventing and managing conflicts. Nwafor noted that the process involved gathering insights from field interviews and community consultations to map the complex dynamics of land-related disputes. This approach helped identify organic mechanisms already used by communities to resolve conflicts, including improved land-use coordination, strengthened community mediation structures, and transparent processes for assessing damages and compensation.
She urged the media to shape public perception by highlighting preventive approaches and community-driven solutions in conflict reporting. Mr. Damian Ihekoronye, the Coalition and Advocacy Lead for the SPRING Programme, cautioned against negative narratives and disinformation that contribute to conflicts. He stressed the importance of collective efforts to prevent the escalation of conflicts.
Ihekoronye added that SPRING is working on best practices to improve the productivity of farmers and pastoralists, ensuring lasting peace in communities. The programme collaborates with various partners and civil society organisations to provide technical assistance to government institutions and NGOs, enhancing their capacity to fulfill their mandates.
The event was attended by development experts, legal practitioners, mediators, and media representatives, among others.