National Park Service Rakes in N83m Revenue in 2023
The National Park Service is pleased to announce a significant achievement of generating N83 million in revenue from January to December. Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni, the Conservator General of the National Park Service, disclosed this impressive figure, attributing the earnings to ecotourism and other sources.
During the presentation of the National Park Service scorecard for 2023 in Abuja, Goni highlighted the various successes achieved by the Service. In addition to the substantial revenue, the Service also made significant strides in law enforcement, with a total of 646 arrests across the country. These arrests included illegal hunters, grazers, loggers, and other violators, emphasizing the commitment of the Service to safeguarding the national parks.
The impressive record of law enforcement extended to addressing banditry incidents, with 37 suspects apprehended in connection with mining/banditry in Old Oyo National Park. Additionally, operations at Kainji Lake National Park led to the arrest of three suspected bandits and the neutralization of five others, with the successful rescue of four victims. The recovery of items such as motorcycles, phones, and machetes further underscored the proactive measures taken by the Service in combating criminal activities within the national parks.
Goni also disclosed the outcomes of the prosecution cases, revealing a total of 646 cases with various dispositions, including convictions, fines, warnings, discharges, and pending cases. Notably, Cross River and Gashaka-Gumti National Parks recorded the highest number of convictions, demonstrating the rigorous enforcement of laws within the parks.
The achievements of the National Park Service were attributed to the strategic approach outlined in the policy document on combating wildlife and forest crime in Nigeria, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime. Goni highlighted the efficacy of this policy in enabling the Service to uphold its mandate.
The National Park Service currently oversees the management of seven National Parks across different ecological and geopolitical zones in Nigeria, emphasising the widespread impact of its conservation efforts.
The remarkable accomplishments of the National Park Service in 2023 signal a strong commitment to environmental preservation and law enforcement, reflecting the vital role played by the Service in safeguarding the natural heritage of Nigeria. The substantial revenue generated further underscores the potential for sustainable conservation efforts to contribute to economic growth, while also ensuring the protection of the country’s natural resources.
