ConservationNewsNigeriaNigeria Sets to Increase Its National Parks to 17 from 10

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Nigerian government is set to increase its national part to 17 from the 10 it currently manages.

The Minister of Environment, Mohammed Abubakar, disclosed on Thursday at a press conference in Abuja that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of additional 10 national parks.

The Minister said, “The President has graciously approved the establishment of 10 additional national parks bringing the total number of the national parks in the country to 17.

“To give credence and legal backing to this worthy cause, an executive bill will soon be presented to the National Assembly for further necessary action.”

Abubakar noted that the first national park in Nigeria, Kanji Lake, was created in 1979.

He added that this was followed by six others which was spread across the country.

He said, “The creation of additional national parks in Nigeria has become imperative in view of the prevailing effects of climate change across the globe.”

He added, “This action is geared towards the United Nation’s policy of placing 25 per cent of its member countries’ landmass under permanent vegetation cover for carbon sequestration to mitigate the effects of climate change and ameliorate other ecological challenges.”

The minister said Nigeria currently had its total landmass of 6.7 per cent under vegetation cover, which was grossly inadequate in line with global best practices.

He added that the creation of these parks would further create more employment opportunities, alleviate poverty in the rural areas and ultimately enhance the country’s revenue profile.

Bada Yusuf Amoo (Correspondent)

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