Ecosystem regulation: Senate passes motion to establish 10 new National Parks

The Nigeria Senate has passed the motion on the establishment of 10 additional National Parks in order to regulate the country`s ecosystem and natural resources.

The Senate passed the motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Gobir Ibrahim Abdullahi, representing Sokoto East senatorial district, on Tuesday in Abuja, during the plenary session.

Speaking on the motion during the plenary sessions, the Senate Leader revealed that the motion was as a result of the Executive Communication to the Senate on 16 November 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari in a document requesting the concurrence of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the above National Park (Declaration) order, 2022, in consonance with Section 15 of the National Park Service Act, LFN 2001 (As amended).

Abdullahi added that the additional parks were duly for the regulation of the use of Nigeria’s unique ecosystem.

“Particularly the fauna and the flora, address the fast rate of disappearance and degradation of Nigeria’s forest, and to achieve and develop adequate tourism infrastructure in line with international best practices, and to protect and preserve the biodiversity and natural heritage of Nigeria.

“Aware that the National Park (declaration) Order seeks to establish 10 additional National Parks consequent upon due feasibility studies and environmental impact assessment in 12 selected Forests and Game Reserves in various states of the federation as follows:

“Alawa National Park, Niger State, Apoi National Park, Bayelsa State, Edumenum National Park, Bayelsa State, Galgore National Park, Kano State, Hadejia Wetland National Park, Jigawa State, Kempe National Park, Kwara State, Kogo National Park, Katsina State, Marhi National Park, Nassarawa State, Oba Hill National Park, Osun State, and Pandam National Park, Plateau State”.