Gov Namadi and the politics of equal justice, opportunity in Jigawa
By Lawal Jet Kaugama
In a country where ethnic divisions and conflicts over land and natural resources continue to threaten peaceful coexistence, Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State is demonstrating that inclusive governance is possible when leadership is guided by fairness, practical policies and respect for every citizen.
His declaration that no ethnic group is a stranger and no citizen is second-class in Jigawa captures the essence of leadership that places people above ethnic considerations.
Speaking at a gathering of the Fulani community at the Manpower Development Institute, Dutse, organised under the leadership of Alhaji Shehu Hadejia, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights and interests of all residents.
According to a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, on October 17, 2026, the gathering provided an opportunity for the Fulani community to appreciate the government’s efforts to sustain peace between farmers and herders and establish the Ministry of Livestock Development.
Namadi’s message deserves recognition because it addresses one of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges: the temptation to allow ethnic identity to determine how citizens are treated by government.
Across the country, conflicts between farmers and herders have resulted in deaths, displacement, destruction of property and the loss of livelihoods. In some communities, suspicion has replaced trust, making peaceful coexistence increasingly difficult. Yet, the experience of Jigawa demonstrates that governments can pursue a different approach by recognising legitimate interests, enforcing the law fairly and addressing the practical needs of affected communities.
The significance of Namadi’s position lies in his understanding that governance should not be restricted by ethnic boundaries. Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri and other communities in Jigawa have equal claims to public services, security and economic opportunities.
A government that treats its citizens equally strengthens the bond between the people and the state. When residents believe that their interests matter, they become more willing to cooperate with authorities and contribute to development.
This is the foundation of destribalised leadership. It means that a citizen’s access to education, healthcare, water, security and justice should not depend on ethnic affiliation. It also means that government must resist attempts to portray one community as more deserving of protection than another.
Namadi’s approach sends an important message: the Fulani herder deserves protection under the law, just as the farmer deserves protection against the destruction of crops. Neither group should be subjected to collective blame for the actions of individuals.
Turning Promises into Practical Action.
What distinguishes the Jigawa administration’s approach is the effort to translate its commitment to peaceful coexistence into practical interventions.
The government has gazetted grazing reserves, provided watering stations and begun cultivating alfalfa to improve the availability of livestock feed. These measures address some of the resource pressures that can contribute to friction between farmers and herders.
The administration has also invested approximately ₦3.1 billion in artificial insemination over the past two to three years to improve cattle breeds and increase milk production, alongside regular vaccination programmes to protect animal health.
The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Salim Mohammed, further disclosed that the ministry had demarcated additional grazing reserves and conducted sensitisation campaigns to promote peaceful coexistence.
These interventions demonstrate an important principle of public administration: lasting peace requires more than appeals for restraint. It requires policies that reduce competition over scarce resources, improve livelihoods and establish clear rules for the use of land and water.
By creating a dedicated Ministry of Livestock Development, the Namadi administration has also recognised livestock production as an economic sector deserving specialised attention. If sustained and effectively managed, these efforts could improve productivity, strengthen rural incomes and create opportunities across the livestock value chain.
The governor’s emphasis on the right of Fulani women to sell dairy products without fear or favour is equally significant.
Women involved in milk production and dairy trading contribute to household incomes, food security and rural commerce. Their businesses support families and help sustain local markets.
Protecting their right to trade freely is therefore not merely an ethnic consideration; it is an economic and social justice issue.
When women can sell their products without discrimination, harassment or unlawful demands, they gain greater economic independence and their families benefit. Such protection should extend to every trader, irrespective of ethnic background.
This is how inclusive governance becomes visible in the everyday experiences of ordinary citizens.
Peace Must Come with Responsibility
Nevertheless, equal belonging must be accompanied by equal responsibility. Namadi’s appeal to communities to cooperate with government and security agencies in identifying threats to public peace is therefore appropriate.
Such cooperation must be guided by credible information, due process and respect for human rights. No community should be collectively punished for an individual’s misconduct, and no individual should escape accountability because of ethnic or political connections.
Farmers, herders and other residents must recognise that peace is a shared responsibility. Protecting lives, respecting property and resolving disputes through lawful channels are essential to sustaining the progress Jigawa seeks to achieve.
The Fulani community’s endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Namadi and other All Progressives Congress candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections adds a political dimension to the gathering.However, the broader lesson extends beyond party politics. Citizens are more likely to support leaders whom they believe understand their concerns and treat them fairly.
Political loyalty is strengthened when people experience tangible improvements in their lives.
Ultimately, Governor Namadi’s greatest opportunity is to make equal belonging a permanent feature of governance in Jigawa. This requires consistent implementation, transparent spending, impartial law enforcement and continued investment in services that benefit every community.
Nigeria does not need unity merely as a recurring political slogan. It needs leaders who translate unity into policies, institutions and measurable improvements in people’s lives.
By addressing livestock development, providing infrastructure for herders and promoting peaceful relations between farmers and herders, Namadi is advancing a model of governance worthy of attention.
The enduring test will be whether every citizen, regardless of ethnicity or occupation, can live, work and pursue prosperity in Jigawa with dignity and confidence.
That is the true meaning of equal belonging, and it is a standard by which leadership should be judged.
Lawal Jet Kaugama, a commentator on national issues, writes from Kano. He can be reached on [email protected]