By Mubarak Aliyu Sabo Yaro
The Adamawa State House of Assembly Ad-Hoc Committee on Farmland Dispute has intensified its efforts to mediate the on-going land dispute between Dangote Sugar Refinery Numan and its host communities.
The committee, set up by the Speaker, Bathiya Wesley, was tasked with finding a peaceful resolution to the land ownership issues, particularly affecting communities in Guyuk Local Government Area.
The committee, led by the Deputy Majority Leader of the Assembly, Ahmed Jingi Belel of representing Maiha constituency, paid a fact-finding visit to Dangote Sugar Refinery Numan on Wednesday.
During the visit, the lawmakers held discussions with the Group General Manager of Dangote Sugar Refinery Numan Operations, Bello Dan-Musa, and other key management staff of the company.
Belel explained that the committee’s engagement with Dangote Sugar Refinery followed prior consultations with affected communities.
He emphasized that the intervention was prompted by a motion on urgent public importance sponsored by Sunday Peter, the lawmaker representing Guyuk constituency.
Several committee members also spoke during the visit, including Sunday Peter, Pwamwakeno Mackondo (Numan), Bauna Myadassa (Lamurde), and Kantomon Bulus Naftali (Shelleng).
They unanimously emphasized the need for mutual understanding and called on Dangote Sugar Refinery to strengthen community engagement, especially at the grassroots level.
In his response, the Group General Manager of Dangote Sugar Refinery Numan, Bello Dan-Musa, commended the Assembly for its proactive approach.
Regarding land development of land dispute between the company and the hosts’ communities, he clarified that Dangote Sugar Refinery is operating strictly within the 32,000 hectares officially allocated to it by the Federal Government, covered by a certificate of occupancy.
The committee is expected to continue its engagement with stakeholders until a lasting solution is achieved.
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