The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has enhanced the livelihoods of communities affected by farmer-herder conflicts in Adamawa and Taraba states, with initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and social cohesion.
This was disclosed by IOM’s Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Ms. Paola Pace, at the third steering committee meeting in Abuja, marking the conclusion of IOM’s COMITAS project, which aims to mitigate conflict over natural resources in these regions.
The project, an acronym for “Contributing to the Mitigation of Conflict over Natural Resources between Farmers and Herder Communities in Taraba and Adamawa States,” has supported local communities in addressing root causes of conflict.
“COMITAS has been a collaborative effort with impactful results in peacebuilding and conflict mitigation in these regions.
“The project has established 32 dialogue platforms, implemented Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) systems, and improved access to essential services, including water and infrastructure,” Pace noted.
The EWER system empowers communities to prevent conflicts before they escalate while monitoring transhumance migration routes to promote peace and security.
Ms. Pace extended appreciation to the European Union (EU) for its €10.5 million grant via the EU Foreign Policy Instrument, enabling the four-year project.
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“The partnership we have built over the past four years has been essential in addressing the root causes of conflict and creating lasting change. While this meeting marks the formal conclusion of the COMITAS project, we are confident that the systems and partnerships we have developed will continue to foster peace and development for years to come,” she added.
The Political Officer, Politics, Press and Information Section of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, underscored the importance of resilient communities in their broader strategy for Nigeria, aiming to manage disputes over resources peacefully.
“The COMITAS project has been a key element in our broader strategy for Nigeria, which focuses on promoting peace, strengthening governance, addressing climate change and fostering human development,” she stated.
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, represented by Chief of Staff Dr. Jeji Williams, highlighted a government sustainability plan, proposing a Peace Commission to monitor and manage conflict zones across the state.
This initiative aims to monitor conflict-prone areas and facilitate government intervention. The governor stressed the importance of long-term planning for the peace commission’s effectiveness, indicating that connections with international organizations would be vital for sustained funding and support.
Similarly, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, represented by Chief of Staff Dr. Edgar Amos, commended the achievements of the COMITAS project in improving access to resources like solar-powered water facilities, which have significantly strengthened social cohesion within communities.
National Counter-Terrorism Centre’s Muhammad Aminu also praised the project for its impact in reducing local conflicts.
“This project has made a lot of positive impact in the two states; we have visited the states and seen how your contribution has helped,” Aminu explained.
The COMITAS II project, which follows the successful implementation of its first phase in December 2022, was carried out by the IOM in partnership with Search for Common Ground and Mercy Corps, and funded by the European Union.
The committee continues to oversee the project’s implementation, responding to challenges such as demographic growth, expansion of human settlements, privatisation of land, environmental degradation, and climate change.
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