The House of Representatives met on Thursday and unanimously concurred with an Executive Order signed by President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) that designates ten parks across Nigeria as National Parks. The motion, moved by Representative Peter Akpatason, was presented in accordance with Section 18 of the National Park Service Act and titled “Presidential Declaration of National Park Order, 2022.” In his remarks, Akpatason noted that the President had signed the declaration on 16 November 2022 and had formally requested the House’s concurrence, as required by law. He urged members to approve the order, which names the following areas as National Parks: 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).
Deputy Minority Leader Toby Okechukwu expressed concerns that many of these areas are currently ungoverned spaces where criminals operate. He warned that without proper management, the parks could become havens for terrorists and bandits, citing the situation in Katsina State’s Faskari area and the widespread insecurity in places like the Yankari Game Reserve. Okechukwu called for a robust framework to ensure the parks fulfill their intended purpose and remain safe for the public.
Deputy Speaker Ahmed Wase, who presided over the session, countered Okechukwu’s objections, emphasizing the potential economic benefits of the parks. He argued that the designated areas would become tourist centres, generate revenue, and create employment opportunities for rangers and other staff. Wase urged his colleagues to support the motion, and after a voice vote, the declaration was adopted unanimously.
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