The House of Representatives has sanctioned the take over of 10 parks across the country by the Federal Government and designating them as National Parks.

This followed concurrence with a Presidential Order signed on November 16, 2022 by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The new National Parks are: Allawa Game Reserve, Niger State; Apoi Forest Reserve, Bayelsa State; Edumenum Reserve, Bayelsa State; Falgore Game Reserve Kano State; Baturiya Wetland game Reserve, Jigawa State; Kampe Forest Reserve, Kwara State; Kogo Forest Reserve, Katsina State; Marhai Forest Reserve, Nasarawa State; Oba Hill Forest Reserve, Osun State; and Pandam Forest Reserve, Plateau State.

Presenting the motion for the concurrence, Deputy House Leader, Peter Akpatason, said in consonance with the provisions of Section 18 of the National Park Service Act, the President, communicated in writing requesting the concurrence of the House on the ten New National Parks.

However, Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, wanted the concurrence stepped down pending when the President will present to the House the framework for the management of the parks.

He said the request for concurrence from the President did not include the framework for the management of the parks, warning against creating parks that will later become breeding ground for terrorists.

He said existing parks were not properly managed and has therefore become a shadow of themselves.

But Deputy Speaker, who presided over plenary, said the declaration of the parks as National Park will enhance the economic potential of the country, adding that leaving the parks in the hands of the state government will be counter productive. (The Nation)

Update news