On Thursday, the House of Representatives approved the conversion of 10 game and forest reserves across Nigeria into national parks, by a declaration signed by President Muhammadu Buhari. The motion was put forward by House Leader Ado Alhassan Doguwa, and moved by Deputy House Leader Peter Akpatason.
The President signed a Declaration Order on November 16, 2022, to declare 10 parks as national parks. These parks include Allawa Game Reserve in Niger State, Apoi Forest Reserve and Edumenum Reserve in Bayelsa State, Falgore Game Reserve in Kano State, Baturiya Wetland Game Reserve in Jigawa State, Kampe Forest Reserve in Kwara State, Kogo Forest Reserve in Katsina State, Marhai Forest Reserve in Nasarawa State, Oba Hill Forest Reserve in Osun State, and Pandam Forest Reserve in Plateau State.
According to Akpatason, the President had requested the House’s concurrence, in keeping with Section 18 of the National Park Service Act, by communicating in writing about the 10 new national parks.
Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase emphasized that the motion would not only enhance the beauty and tranquillity of Nigeria but also create employment opportunities.
In addition to creating employment opportunities, the conversion of these reserves into national parks is expected to boost tourism in the country. National parks offer visitors an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of a region, as well as its flora and fauna, and Nigeria has a rich diversity of wildlife and natural resources to offer.
Moreover, the creation of national parks is also a step towards the conservation and protection of these natural resources. National parks are usually managed by government agencies, and their primary objective is to conserve and protect the natural environment, including its wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage.
By designating these reserves as national parks, the government can regulate human activities within these areas, such as hunting, logging, and other destructive activities that could harm the environment. This would ensure the preservation of these natural resources for future generations to enjoy.
It is worth noting that Nigeria already has seven national parks, including Cross River National Park, Gashaka-Gumti National Park, and Yankari National Park. The addition of these 10 new national parks will not only expand the country’s protected areas but also improve their accessibility to visitors.
In conclusion, the approval of the conversion of these reserves into national parks by the House of Representatives is a positive step toward the conservation, protection, and promotion of Nigeria’s natural resources. It is expected to create employment opportunities and boost tourism, while also ensuring that these natural resources are preserved for future generations
