N’assembly approves Buhari’s request to designate 10 forest reserves as national parks

The national assembly has approved President Muhammadu Buhari’s request to designate 10 game reserves as national parks.

The house of representatives approved the president’s request during plenary session, on Wednesday, after Alhassan Doguwa, the majority leader, moved a motion.

The game reserves approved by the national assembly to be designated as national parks are Allawa game reserve, Niger; Apoi forest reserve, Bayelsa; Edumenum reserve, Bayelsa; Falgore game reserve, Kano; Baturiya Wetland game reserve, Jigawa; and Kampe forest reserve, Kwara.

Others are Kogo forest reserve, Katsina; Marhai forest reserve, Nasarawa; Oba Hill forest reserve, Osun; and Pandam forest reserve, Plateau.

While moving the motion, Doguwa said Buhari, in November 2022, signed a declaration order naming the 10 forest reserves as national parks.

He said in line with section 18 of the National Park Service Act, Buhari communicated his decision in writing to the national assembly requesting concurrence.

“Subject to this act, the president with the concurrence of the national assembly may by order published in the gazette declare such areas in the federation as he may deem fit as national parks which shall be subject to the provisions of the act,” he said.

The president will among other things specify the limits of the new national parks as well as set up the national parks management committee.