The National Park Service has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting endangered parrot species in the country.
The Okomu National Park is one of Nigeria’s last remaining lowland rainforest ecosystems.
According to him, the NPS has received donations of 11 Land Cruisers to enable its new parks to take off operations in wildlife conservation.
He noted that illegal mining in Cross River was becoming a challenge.
Mr Goni said, “The seven national parks provide a total area of vegetation of 20,000 square kilometres.’’
He assured that the secretariat would initiate wildlife crime prevention initiatives.
He assured rangers worldwide of support in the area of training and funding for effective performance of their duties.
The conservator-general said the federal government was keenly committed to the running of the new parks.
Nigeria is considered a key transit hub and consolidation point for illegal trade in wildlife and forest products, especially for pangolin, ivory and rosewood.
“At the moment, the approved national parks are being gazetted by the Federal Ministry of Justice.”
