ASHENEWS reports that the Niger State Government has established a transition committee to oversee the handover of the upgraded Alawa Game Reserve to the Nigeria National Park Service. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago inaugurated the committee during a State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Minna.
Describing the event as historic, Governor Bago emphasized the importance of conservation and environmental protection for both human well-being and ecological balance. He highlighted Niger State’s leadership in environmental initiatives, noting it was the first sub-national government to organize the Green Initiative Summit and establish an agency dedicated to climate action.
The Governor mentioned that the state’s climate-focused university in Mokwa underscores his administration’s commitment to addressing climate change. Although his administration had no immediate plans to relinquish control of the Alawa Game Reserve, Governor Bago acknowledged the continuity of government and the need to uphold decisions made by previous administrations.
The Governor also expressed a desire to take over the management of Kainji National Park to better address concerns related to poaching, illegal logging, and extremist activities, which he said are increasingly troubling. He expressed optimism that collaborating with the Federal Government to ensure a smooth transfer of Alawa Game Reserve would enhance security for residents in the state.
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The Governor assured that Niger State would maintain a strong partnership with the Nigeria National Park Service, fostering mutual benefits. He urged the Park Service to work closely with the State Security Committee, particularly as Niger State deploys 10,000 rangers across ungoverned areas, to prevent conflicts in protected zones.
The Conservator-General of the Nigeria National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni, outlined the background leading to the upgrade of Alawa Game Reserve. He explained that in 2009, the National Council on Environment recommended the transfer of selected state forest reserves to the National Park Service to increase forest cover nationwide. By 2013, Niger State’s then-Governor approved the plan, leading to the 2020 endorsement of 10 proposed National Park sites by former President Muhammadu Buhari, including Alawa Game Reserve.
Dr. Goni emphasized that all constitutional processes were followed, including stakeholder meetings and visits to relevant governors. The newly inaugurated transition committee includes representatives from the State Government, the Nigeria National Park Service, and the local community. It will be chaired by Shariff Labaran Musa, Director of Forestry and Wildlife Service in Niger State, with Fatima Balarabe of the Nigeria National Park Service serving as secretary.
Chairman Shariff Labaran Musa pledged a smooth and successful transition, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the local community. He noted that addressing insecurity in Alawa is one of the key benefits expected from the reserve’s upgrade, citing existing cooperation between the Nigeria National Park Service and various security agencies.
The District Head of Alawa, Ibrahim Salihu, expressed gratitude and optimism, stating that the elevation of Alawa Game Reserve to a National Park would help restore peace to the community and Niger State at large.
