National Park Service: Commitment to Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Sustainability
The National Park Service (NPS) in Nigeria has demonstrated a strong dedication to wildlife conservation as a means of achieving environmental sustainability. Dr. Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General (C-G) of the NPS, affirmed this commitment during the presentation of the 2023 scorecard of the service on Friday, December 22, 2023, in Abuja.
Goni stated, “The National Park Service remains steadfast in its commitment to the protection of Nigeria’s national parks, wildlife conservation, and environmental sustainability. The policy focus of the service is to provide security, manage, and regulate the use of the diverse and unique natural resources within the national parks in the country.”
He also emphasized the global significance of national parks being overseen by the highest legally competent authority of a country for national and regional security and well-being, underscoring the importance of wildlife conservation in Nigeria.
The NPS has actively collaborated with relevant stakeholders to combat wildlife trafficking in Nigeria, resulting in significant seizures. Efforts have also been made to release live animals back into the wild, with recent confiscations of parrots, other bird species, and galagos (bush babies) being handed over to the National Park Service for rehabilitation and reintroduction to the wild.
Additionally, the NPS has developed a policy document on combating wildlife and forest crime in Nigeria in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime. This initiative recognizes the significant role of wildlife and forest reserves in various aspects such as medicine, research, education, agriculture, tourism, spiritualism, and their contribution to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals seven and thirteen.
The National Park Service currently manages seven national parks across different ecological and geopolitical zones in Nigeria, with plans for the establishment of 10 additional national parks as approved by former President, Muhammadu Buhari. These parks are set to play crucial roles in biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.
Moreover, the National Assembly has concurred with the Presidential Proclamation Order establishing the 10 new national parks, which have been recently gazetted by the Federal Ministry of Justice, and are expected to take over soon in batches.
In terms of law enforcement, a total of 646 arrests were made across various national parks, including apprehensions related to banditry incidents. Significant prosecution cases have led to convictions, fines, and warnings, reflecting the commitment to protecting wildlife and forest reserves.
The NPS has also generated a total revenue of N83.2 million, which has been allocated to various capital projects aimed at enhancing park infrastructure, equipment, and facilities. These projects include the construction and furnishing of Rangers Barracks, renovation and furnishing of Head Offices, procurement of patrol equipment, and provision of solar power plants.
The National Park Service has also prioritized personnel training, with a total of 260 training events conducted during the specified period, highlighting the commitment to capacity building and professional development.
In conclusion, the NPS’s commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability is evident through its proactive initiatives, collaborations, and impactful projects designed to protect Nigeria’s national parks and wildlife. As we look towards the future, it is crucial for all stakeholders to continue supporting these efforts in order to ensure the preservation of our natural resources.
