The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has reiterated its commitment to mitigating conflict over natural resources between farmer and herder in Taraba and Adamawa communities.
The IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Ms Paola Pace, disclosed this during the third steering committee meeting to mark the official conclusion of the mission’s COMITAS project, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The project titled: “Contributing to the mitigation of conflict over natural resources between farmer and herder communities in Taraba and Adamawa States, Nigeria (COMITAS Il)”.
The project was implemented by (IOM) in through partnership with Search for Common Ground (SFCG) and Mercy Corps, and funded by the European Union (EU).
Pace said, “COMITAS project has been a collaborative endeavour and the commitment of our partners, and the local communities has ensured we address the root causes of conflict in these regions.
“The success of the project can be seen in the establishment of 32 dialogue platforms, the implementation of Early Warning and Early Response (EWER) systems and enhancement of access to essential services such as water and infrastructure.
“Through EWER system, we empowered communities to prevent conflicts before they escalate. This system, combined with the monitoring of transhumance migration routes provided crucial tools for fostering peace and security.”
Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa represented by Dr Edgar Amos, Chief of Staff to the governor, said the COMITAS Project had brought significant changes to communities by tackling conflicts between farmers and herders.
“We are immensely grateful to the EU for their steadfast support, providing a EUR 10.5 million grant that has been pivotal in implementing this project.
“This partnership, alongside the tireless work of IOM, Mercy Corps, and Search for Common Ground, has created lasting solutions that go beyond conflict resolution by improving livelihoods and fostering resilience,” Fintiri said.
Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba represented by Dr Jeji Williams, Chief of Staff to the governor said the programme is ongoing in the state.
Kefas said, “The government of Taraba appreciates the projection of your programme in our state, this has come a long way in increasing the much needed social cohesion in the state.”
Agnieszka Torres De Oliveira, Political Officer, Politics, Press and Information Section of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, described the COMITAS project as key element to broader strategy for Nigeria.
Oliveira said, “This focuses on promoting peace, strengthening governance, addressing climate change and fostering human development.
“By tackling of the root causes of conflict ‘competition over natural resources’ COMITAS aligns with our goal of creating resilient communities capable of managing disputes peacefully.”
Mr Muhammad Aminu, Staff Officer on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) commended the meeting to have boosted efforts in tackling conflict.
“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 said.
The committee seeks to oversee the project implementation, make decisions and provide strategic guidance due to demographic growth, expansion of human settlements, privatisation of land, year-round farming practices, environmental degradation, and climate change.
The COMITAS II project was initiated based on the implementation of the first phase that was held in December, 2022.D
