Dr. Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General of the National Park Service, has announced that the Federal Government is set to assume control of ten new parks, a process expected to be completed between November and December 2023…CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Goni made this revelation while welcoming nine commissioners representing the ten newly designated national parks in Abuja on Wednesday.

He emphasized that the parks’ transfer to the Federal Government is scheduled to occur within the mentioned timeframe, enabling their inclusion in the national budget for the year 2024.

Goni further explained that these national parks have already received approval and are currently in the process of being officially designated through gazetting by the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Once this gazetting process is completed, these parks will attain full-fledged national park status. The Conservator-General highlighted that the final step is the handover of these parks by the respective state governors to the Federal Government, designating them as national parks.

The purpose of the meeting was to provide an update to stakeholders on the progress made in the transition and acquisition of these ten new national parks by the Federal Government.

Goni mentioned that prior stakeholder meetings had covered topics such as the presidential proclamation and the National Assembly’s concurrence.

He went on to explain that many states have already taken steps to facilitate the smooth operation of these parks. This includes securing office facilities and accommodations for park personnel, ensuring a seamless launch of the ten new parks in their respective regions.

Additionally, the states have expressed their commitment to collaborating with the communities where these parks are located.

Goni expressed confidence that the communities are willing to support the successful establishment of these parks, which will not only lead to their economic development but also create employment opportunities.

Furthermore, he highlighted the benefits these parks will bring to the host communities, such as enhanced security, climate change mitigation, and curbing rural migration by promoting regeneration.