HiiL Engages Media on New Guidelines to Tackle Farmer–Herder Land Conflicts

The The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL) has engaged journalists on newly developed guidelines aimed at preventing and resolving land disputes between farmers and herders in Kaduna, Katsina, Plateau and Benue states.
The engagement took place during a media parley designed to encourage responsible reporting and raise awareness about practical solutions to the recurring conflicts affecting many communities.
HiiL, an international social enterprise headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, focuses on improving justice systems by promoting people-centred solutions that help individuals and communities resolve everyday justice challenges.
In Nigeria, the organisation works with government agencies, civil society groups, researchers and community leaders to strengthen access to justice and promote peaceful conflict resolution.
The guidelines were developed under the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria Programme (SPRiNG), supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
According to HiiL, the document is the result of extensive research and consultations with traditional rulers, legal experts, community leaders and other stakeholders across the four states. Field interviews and community consultations were also conducted to better understand the root causes of land disputes and identify existing local mechanisms used in resolving them.
The guidelines recommend practical measures such as better land-use coordination, strengthened community mediation systems and transparent processes for handling damages and compensation.
HiiL noted that farmer–herder conflicts have continued to pose serious security and socio-economic challenges across several parts of Nigeria, largely driven by competition for land, water sources and grazing routes.
The organisation stressed that journalists play a vital role in shaping public discourse on the issue and called for balanced reporting that highlights preventive measures, dialogue and community-driven solutions aimed at promoting peace and stability.