By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, tighten environmental protection and sustain security efforts to safeguard Gashaka Gumti National Park and other protected areas across the country.
The minister, represented by the Conservator-General of the National Park Service, Dr Ibrahim Musa Goni, made the call during the 7th Stakeholders’ Meeting of the Southern Sector of Gashaka Gumti National Park, held in Serti, Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State, and organised by the Africa Nature Investors Foundation.
He described the meeting as a clear demonstration of shared responsibility and collective commitment to the future of Nigeria’s largest national park and the wellbeing of surrounding communities.
Lawal recalled that the National Park Service entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Africa Nature Investors Foundation in 2017 to strengthen conservation through financial and technical support.
He commended the partnership, noting that it has significantly improved conditions within the park and enhanced livelihoods in neighbouring support-zone communities.
The minister stressed that Gashaka Gumti National Park is not only Nigeria’s largest protected area but also one of its most biologically diverse landscapes.
He said the park provides critical ecosystem services such as wildlife protection, watershed conservation, preservation of archaeological and historical sites, traditional medicine resources, eco-tourism opportunities, education, employment and regional security.
Despite these benefits, Lawal expressed concern over persistent illegal activities that continue to undermine conservation efforts.
He identified poaching, illegal grazing, mining, farming and river poisoning as major threats that require urgent and coordinated action.
According to him, the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to address these challenges while charting a sustainable path that balances conservation goals with community welfare.
In his welcome remarks in his own capacity, the Conservator General, Dr. Goni, described Gashaka Gumti National Park as Nigeria’s most diverse protected area.
He explained that the park is surrounded by about 55 support-zone communities and six enclave communities, creating a complex relationship between people and the environment.
Goni said this reality makes stakeholder engagement essential for effective park management and long-term stability.
He noted that the meeting focused on pressing issues such as general insecurity, dry-season grazing, illegal settlements, illegal mining and other unlawful activities within the park.
He warned that failure to address these challenges could escalate tensions, threaten peaceful coexistence and undermine development efforts in the region.
The Conservator-General emphasised that conservation cannot succeed in isolation and must be built on dialogue, mutual understanding and respect for the rule of law.
He praised the Africa Nature Investors Foundation for its support in infrastructure development, security, research, technology, education, communications and livelihood empowerment.
According to him, collaboration between the National Park Service, ANI Foundation, traditional institutions and security agencies has improved both security and community wellbeing.
Delivering the keynote address, retired Federal High Court judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba, described Gashaka Gumti National Park as the “lungs of the region and the inheritance of future generations.”
He stressed that protecting the park requires legal clarity as well as sensitivity to human realities.
Justice Buba addressed proposals to phase out grazing within the park, describing it as a significant policy shift that must be guided by fairness, compassion and the law.
He cited provisions of the National Park Service Act that prohibit grazing, farming and the introduction of domestic animals into national parks.
He said proper enforcement could reduce farmer–herder conflicts, restore order and prevent criminal elements from exploiting pastoral activities.
The judge also highlighted legal options for gradual and peaceful enforcement, including mediation, alternative dispute resolution and administrative compliance orders.
Speaking on behalf of the ANI Foundation, Dr George Okeyoyin said the engagement was part of ongoing efforts to foster understanding among pastoralists, farmers and other stakeholders.
He explained that ANI initiatives, including cattle vaccination, women’s livelihood support and savings and loan groups for youths and women, are boosting productivity and conservation awareness.