By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse The Jigawa State Government has officially handed over the management of the Hadejia Wetlands Game Reserve to th...
By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse
The Jigawa State Government has officially handed over the management of the Hadejia Wetlands Game Reserve to the National Park Service, under the Federal Ministry of Environment. The historic ceremony took place at the Government House in Dutse.
This handover marks the culmination of over a decade of efforts to upgrade the wetland into a national park, reflecting a broader commitment to environmental conservation and biodiversity protection in Nigeria.
Governor Umar Namadi expressed great satisfaction during the event, emphasizing the significance of this milestone in the state's environmental preservation efforts. He noted that the Hadejia Wetlands, a critical ecosystem that supports various wildlife including migratory birds, fish, and amphibians, would now benefit from enhanced protection under the Federal Government's National Park Service.
Renowned as an international bird sanctuary, the Hadejia Wetlands is home to approximately 400 species of migratory birds from as far away as Europe and Australia. The governor lauded the wetland's natural beauty, its undisturbed Sahelian landscape, and the vital ecological balance it maintains.
Governor Namadi also reiterated the state’s commitment to supporting the National Park Service in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the park, while advocating for the active involvement of local communities in its management.
He highlighted the steps taken by the Jigawa State Government in preparation for the handover, including the provision of vehicles and motorcycles for rangers, the establishment of temporary armouries for arms and ammunition, and the execution of advocacy and sensitization programs within local communities.
The governor expressed gratitude to all parties involved in the successful handover, expressing optimism that the Federal Government would use the best available resources and technology to preserve the Hadejia Wetlands for future generations.
Representing the Federal Government, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal, through Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni, the Conservator General of the Federation, officially accepted the handover. He commended the Jigawa State Government and praised Governor Namadi for his leadership in completing the process, which began in 2011. Dr. Goni reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the sustainable management of the Hadejia Wetlands, now formally designated as a National Park.
The Minister also highlighted the potential for the Hadejia Wetlands to become an eco-tourism destination, attracting both national and international visitors. He underscored the economic benefits the park would bring to local communities, including job creation, increased revenue, and community development.
As part of the transition, the following assets were handed over to the National Park Service:
Two office spaces in Hadejia and Baturiya Village
Two Rangers' Quarters with four-bedroom semi-detached apartments in Baturiya and Kadira
142 staff members of the Hadejia Wetlands
Two Toyota Hilux vehicles
Nine motorcycles
Water bodies and enclave communities
The disputed land at the border of Jigawa and Bauchi
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