The Marhai Forest Reserve in Nasarawa State has been upgraded to a National Park following the Federal Government’s takeover of its management.
This was revealed in a press statement issued on Friday and signed by the Director of the Press and Public Relations Unit at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Ibrahim Haruna.
The statement noted that the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, described the takeover as a significant milestone in the efforts of the Renewed Hope Agenda towards sustainable development.
Lawal further explained that this step demonstrates a practical form of cooperative federalism, where both sub-national and federal governments work together to secure a sustainable future for the next generation.
“The journey to upgrade the Forest Reserve began in 2011, and it has now become a reality despite some challenges associated with the effective management of the reserve, which the ministry is addressing with the help of relevant stakeholders locally and internationally,” Lawal said.
The minister called on the host community to support the National Park Service and the ministry in transforming the park to global standards.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State emphasised that the handover of the reserve is a crucial step in preserving the state’s natural heritage and promoting sustainable environmental stewardship for the benefit of both present and future generations.
Sule described the reserve as a jewel in the state’s biodiversity, featuring a unique ecosystem, diverse wildlife, and scenic landscapes. He highlighted it as a source of pride for the people of the state and Nigeria at large.
He also called on the National Park Service to enhance the reserve’s potential and ecological integrity, promote eco-tourism, and foster community development.
The governor urged the NPS to prioritise community engagement, ensuring that those benefiting from the partnership are included, to make the Marhai Forest Reserve a global model of conservation excellence and a beacon for environmental stability in Nigeria.
