By Olamide Francis
The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed that it is making moves to partially commercialise existing national parks in the country due to inadequate funding.
The parks to undergo this privatization exercise includes Kainji Lake, Cross River and Gashaka Gumti National Parks.
Plans have already commenced among the leadership of the parks and relevant agencies to fashion out a blueprint for the kick-off of the programme.
The Conservator General, Dr. Ibrahim Goni, who stated this in a statement in Abuja, said their potential for recreation parks are exceedingly high, but they are not properly harnessed to achieve the goals.
Goni assured that they would support the private partnership initiative on the partial concession of the national parks by the Federal Government to provide recreational centres for citizens.
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He noted that the move would improve tourist infrastructure, marketing and publicity for the parks. He also maintained that they are ready to promote domestic tourism, ensure the safety of tourists and visitors to the parks.
To achieve this, he noted that there is a need to upgrade infrastructure and increase inclusion of indigenous people participation in park resources management, conservation and tourism.
Similarly, Dr. Goni has called on stakeholders to synergise, synthesise for the sector to perform optimally and contribute substantially to the national economy.
He also suggested the establishment of a paramilitary structure to provide security for the parks, in terms of the development of quarter guards, parade teams and the appointment of provost marshal and intelligence unit.
“The major challenge is the issue of ineffective support from communities. We want the communities to accept ownership of the park resources rather than view the parks as government property.”
He disclosed that the national parks recorded 9,557 tourists between 2017 and 2020, attributing it to the coronavirus pandemic and its attendant impact, which hindered foreign nationals from visiting the parks.
