FG Takes Over Marhai Forest, Designates It National Park
By Juliet Ukanwosu
The Federal Government has taken over the management of Marhai Forest Reserve located in Nasarawa state, designating it a National Park.
Speaking during the take-over ceremony at the Government House, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, assured the government of Nasarawa State that the Marhai Forest Reserve has been designated as a National Park.
The Minister noted that the taking-over is a milestone as part of the present administration’s efforts towards sustainable development and revenue generation away from crude oil, to include biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
He further noted that the taking-over demonstrates a practical cooperative federalism where sub-nationals and federal government comes together to secure a sustainable future for the next generation.
The minister disclosed that the journey to upgrading the Forest Reserve began in 2011, and has now been realized despite some challenges associated with effective management of the reserve which the ministry is addressing in collaboration with relevant stakeholders locally and internationally.
Balarabe used the forum to thank the Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, for handing over the invaluable asset to the Federal Government, noting that it shows a sign of commitment for national conservation that transcends political boundaries as well as underscoring an unwavering dedication to safeguard the environment.
He also urged the host community to support the National Park Service and the Ministry to roll out the necessary machineries to transform the Marhai Forest Reserve to a global standard National Park.
In his address, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule, reiterated that the handing over of the Reserve is an effort to preserve the State’s natural heritage and promote sustainable environmental stewardship for the benefit of the current and future generations.
Sule revealed that the Reserve is a Jewel in the rich tapestry of the State’s biodiversity and unique ecosystem, diverse wide life and scenic landscape as well as a source of pride for the people of the State and Nigerians in general.
He also called on the management of the National Park Service to enhance the reserve’s potentials and ecological integrity while promoting eco-tourism and community development.
Engr. Sule urged the NPS to prioritize community engagement and ensure that beneficiaries of the partnership are inclusive and far reaching to allow the Marhai Forest Reserve become a global model of conservation excellence and a hope for environmental stability in Nigeria.
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