By National Park Service
The Conservator General Nigeria National Park Service (NNPS), Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni has declared that the Service in 2024 has expanded its reach with the takeover of three Forest Reserves as National Parks. The new National Parks are Hadejia Wetlands, Oba-Hills and Marhai National Parks in Jigawa, Osun and Nasarawa States respectively.
Dr. Goni made the declaration at the Service Headquarters in Abuja while addressing newsmen on the scorecard of the agency in 2024. He said the achievement of the Service this year has demonstrated its commitment to conservation, protection and community engagement. These achievements showcase the Service’s efforts to protect Nigeria’s natural heritage and promote sustainable development.
The CG said the Service has enhanced its anti-poaching efforts through the deployment of high-tech equipment such as drones, SMARTS, Power-chute and GSM technology. He added that this initiative has resulted in 621 arrests, with 466 prosecutions, 61 compoundments and 94 warnings issued, saying this significant increase in arrests and prosecutions demonstrates the Service’s dedication and renewed effort to combating wildlife crime.
The CG expressed elation over partnerships with governmental, non-profit and international organizations which he said has enhanced anti-poaching efforts. He said a number of these partnerships have facilitated donations from organizations such as the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, United Nations Office on Drug Crime (UNODC), Sustainability and Conservation Education for Rural Areas (SCERA) and ACReSAL, supporting the Service with essential equipment, training and funding.
The CG further stated that the Service prioritized training and capacity building, with 100 Park Rangers receiving tactical operations and counterterrorism training in collaboration with the Nigeria Army. Furthermore, 30 Forest Guards from the Federal Capital Territory Forestry Department were trained in forest resources conservation and protection by the Service.
On research, Dr. Goni said a recent PhD research conducted in Cross River National Park has shown that, Low-intensity human activities such as foraging can significantly impact tree species assemblages in tropical forest, particularly for edible species, potentially leaving long-lasting footprints. This research highlights the complex interplay that environmental, spatial and human factors have in shaping tree species dissimilarity in the Nigeria-Cameroon forest regions. Other researches in PhDs, MScs and BScs are ongoing in the fields at unit parks.
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The CG said the Service also counted it as part of achievements, the election of Assistant Conservator of Park (ACP) Mohammed Dikko Bala as Africa’s regional representative in the International Rangers Federation (IRF) executive, demonstrating the Service’s growing international recognition.
He further stated that the Service launched several conservation initiatives, including Nigeria’s first National Elephant Action Plan for 2024-2034 in collaboration with Elephant Protection Initiative, adding that 25 rescued African Grey Parrots from wildlife traders were released back into the wild in Cross River State and 161 hectares of degraded lands were replanted and maintained across the National Parks under the Green Bond initiative.
Dr. Goni said despite these achievements, the Service also faced some challenges such as insecurity occasioned by banditry and terrorism, inadequate antipoaching patrol equipment such as vehicles, arms and ammunition, vulnerability of protected areas around the National Parks etc.
To address these challenges, he said the Service will work to review the National Park Service Act and Regulations as well as the management plan of all the National Parks and seek technical support and donor partnerships, reiterating that the Service remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage and promoting sustainable development.
Dr. Goni concluded the presentation of the years scorecard by expressing deep appreciation for the support the Service enjoys from the media, hoping that such robust relationship would be strengthened and sustained going forward.
By Yakubu Haruna Zull, Senior Assistant (Media) to the CG, NPS.
