The African Nature Investors (ANI) on Thursday called on the federal government to intervene in the activities of illegal miners around the northern part of Gashaka-Gumti National Park in Adamawa State.
Mr. Tunde Morakinyo, the Executive Director of the organisation, disclosed during the commissioning of the national park’s outpost in Toungo Local Government Area of Adamawa that illegal miners were operating just a few metres from the park. He noted that their activities pose a criminal threat not only to the park but also to the surrounding communities that host the national park.
He expressed concern that if the miners’ activities are not tackled, they may hinder ANI’s core aim of promoting the park as a premier African tourist destination.
According to the Executive Director, ANI is committed to developing Africa’s natural environment, aligning with the federal government’s 1991 initiative of establishing national parks across Nigeria to boost tourism.
“The idea of establishing the national parks was initiated by the federal government in 1991 to protect African nature and attract tourism in Nigeria. ANI, with the key aim of protecting and promoting nature, has partnered to develop the parks to become Africa’s premier tourist destinations.
“However, the Gashaka-Gumti National Park, which aspires to become a magnet for development in Nigeria, is facing threats such as illegal mining, logging, farm encroachment, and cattle grazing.
“As you may know, illegal mining comes with criminality. Criminals come in the name of mining and perpetrate crime. We wish to appeal to both the state and federal governments to close down the mining site to avoid the impending danger of insecurity.”
“The Gumti National Park has been a peaceful park in Nigeria, and we want it to remain so.
“The idea of establishing the park outpost in the north is to tackle insecurity and create more jobs for youths within the park communities.
“For many years, the northern Gashaka-Gumti sector faced serious security challenges, and there were no permanent rangers in the area. As promoters of the national park, we entered into a partnership and agreed to build the Gumti outpost.
“The outpost houses over 50 rangers and support staff permanently stationed here in the northern area of the park. It has 24-hour electricity, a year-round water supply, and 24-hour internet services. We are committed to ensuring that the park attracts development in Nigeria,” the Executive Director expressed.
Meanwhile, the Honourable Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, thanked the ANI Foundation for its efforts to enhance tourism in the area.
Represented by the Conservator General of Gashaka-Gumti National Park, Ibrahim Goni, the minister assured federal government support for the initiative, emphasising its role in promoting Nigeria’s natural heritage.
“The strategic collaboration between the National Park Service and African Nature Investors began in November 2017 through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which has yielded positive outcomes.
“The partnership provides technical and financial support to Gashaka-Gumti National Park, aimed at enhancing park protection, policing, and management,” the minister noted.
Reacting to the development, Adamawa State Governor, Umaru Fintiri, and the Paramount Ruler of Genye (Dangwati Genye), HRH Alh. Umaru Adamu Sanda, commended ANI for its commitment to promoting nature and tourism.
Fintiri, represented by the Toungo Local Government Council Chairman, Ahmed Sule, pledged to support ANI’s success in the state.
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