The National Park Service (NPS) has expressed determination to safeguard forest resources within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

Ibrahim Goni, conservator-general of NPS, made this commitment during the passing-out parade of 30 forest guards in the FCT on Friday.

Mr Goni, represented by Mohammed Kabir, assistant conservator-general, Ecology and Resource Centre Department, NPS, emphasised the crucial role of forest guards in preserving natural heritage and ecosystem services.

“As guardians of our forests, you have a vital role in safeguarding our natural heritage and ecosystem services,” he stated.

“The training programme equipped the forest guards with necessary tools to confront evolving challenges, including understanding bylaws governing FCTA forest resources.”

Lawan Geidam, mandate secretary, Agricultural and Rural Development Secretariat, FCTA, assured that the secretariat would initiate wildlife crime prevention initiatives and empower local hunters with alternative livelihoods to avoid engaging in punishable wildlife crimes.

Caroline Opara, FCT Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) coordinator, noted that the training would enable forest guards to secure forests from negative activities.

The event’s highlight was the presentation of certificates to the 30 forest guards, demonstrating NPS’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s forest resources, in line with the nation’s environmental conservation efforts.

(NAN)