Minister gives credence to Buhari’ establishment of 10 new national parks
The Minister of Environment, Dr Mohammad Abubakar has clarified why President Muhammadu Buhari gave the approval for the establishment of 10 additional National Parks in the country bringing the total number of national parks across the country to 17.
Dr Abubakar, who disclosed this while addressing journalists also gave credence and legal backing to the establishment, adding that an executive bill will soon, be presented to the National Assembly.
The Minister of Environment listed the ten National Parks to include Allawa Game Reserve, Apoi Forest Reserve, Edumenum Forest Reserve, Falgore Game Reserve, Hadeja Wetland Game Reserve, Kampe Forest Reserve, Kogo Forest Reserve, Marhai Forest Reserve, Oba Hill Forest Reserve and Pandam Forest Reserve.
Abubakar pointed out that the creation of additional National Parks in Nigeria has become imperative in view of the prevailing effects of climate change across the globe.
The minister explained that “This action is geared towards the United Nation’s policy of placing 25% of its member countries’ landmass under permanent vegetation cover for carbon sequestration to mitigate the effects of climate change and ameliorate other ecological challenges.
“It may interest you to note that Nigeria currently has 6.7% of her total landmass under vegetation cover which is grossly inadequate in line with global best practices.
“The creation of these Parks will no doubt, further create more employment opportunities, alleviate poverty in rural areas and ultimately enhance the country’s revenue profile especially now that Nigeria is seeking to diversify her economy.”
According to him, the 17 National Parks cut across the ecological zones of the country except for the marine eco-system, stressing that the National Parks are areas reserved and managed for conservation of wildlife and natural resources,
He added that the parks contain several rich and diverse varieties of rare endangered species like Elephants, Gorillas, Giraffes, Monkeys, Golden Cats, Hippopotami, crocodiles, among other animals, as well as host of plant species.
The functions of the National Park Service, the Minister said involves surveillance, patrolling, checking illegal activities of poachers in the Parks, enforcement of relevant international treaties and conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory, public enlightenment on the protection and conservation of plants and animals, assisting researchers and searching, arresting and prosecuting offenders.
He lamented that most state-owned forest reserves today have become dens of criminal activities.
The minister stated that to add impetus to the current fight against insurgency and other organised crimes such as kidnapping, cattle rustling, banditry, amongst others, the creation of these National Parks will provide the much-needed machinery to ward off criminal elements living or looking for hideouts in those areas.