Reaffirming the National Park’s Commitment to Wildlife Conservation for Environmental Sustainability
The National Park Service (NPS) in Nigeria has reaffirmed its steadfast dedication to wildlife conservation in the country, with a focus on ensuring environmental sustainability. Dr. Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General (C-G) of the NPS, made this declaration during the presentation of the 2023 scorecard of the service in Abuja. He emphasised the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s national parks, enhancing wildlife conservation efforts, and promoting environmental sustainability as part of the service’s core policy thrust.
Dr. Goni highlighted the collaboration between the NPS and relevant stakeholders to tackle wildlife trafficking in Nigeria, leading to the successful seizure of various endangered species such as parrots, bush babies, and other bird species. In alignment with their commitment to conservation, the NPS has initiated efforts to release live animals back into the wild, in an effort to preserve and protect Nigeria’s diverse and unique natural resources.
Moreover, the NPS has made strides in the development of a policy document on combating wildlife and forest crime in Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime. Dr. Goni underscored the multifaceted role of national parks, asserting that they play critical roles in medicine, research, education, agriculture, tourism, and spiritualism. He further highlighted the significant contribution of national parks in achieving Sustainable Development Goals seven (affordable and clean energy) and 13 (climate action).
The NPS currently manages seven national parks spread across different ecological and geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Additionally, former President Muhammadu Buhari approved the establishment of 10 additional National Parks in November 2020. These new parks are expected to play a pivotal role in furthering wildlife conservation in Nigeria. Approval for the establishment of these new parks has already been granted by the National Assembly and recently gazetted by the Federal Ministry of Justice.
Dr. Goni also provided an overview of the enforcement efforts within the national parks, reporting a total of 646 arrests across various national parks. These arrests cover a wide range of infractions, including hunting, grazing, logging, and other unlawful activities. Emphasising the importance of law enforcement in protecting the parks, Dr. Goni noted that various convictions, fines, warnings, and pending cases were recorded as part of their efforts to uphold the law.
In terms of revenue generation, the NPS disclosed that it had generated a total of N83.2 million from January till date. This generated revenue has been instrumental in implementing essential capital projects across the national parks, leading to tangible improvements in park infrastructure, equipment, and facilities. Notably, the NPS has prioritised the training and development of its personnel, conducting numerous training events, conferences, and workshops to enhance the capabilities of its workforce.
In conclusion, the NPS’s unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability is evident in its multifaceted efforts to protect and preserve Nigeria’s natural resources. The collaboration with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, coupled with stringent law enforcement and investment in personnel development, underscores the NPS’s dedication to its mandate.
Source:
News Agency Of Nigeria (NAN) – www.nannews.ng
