The Jigawa State Government officially handed over management of the Hadejia Wetlands Game Reserve to the National Park Service, under the Federal Ministry of Environment, in a historic ceremony today at the Government House, Dutse.
The handover marks the culmination of over a decade of efforts to upgrade the wetland into a national park as part of a broader commitment to environmental conservation and biodiversity protection in Nigeria.
Governor Mallam Umar Namadi expressed immense satisfaction during the handover, highlighting the importance of this momentous event in the state’s environmental preservation efforts and stressing that the Hadejia Wetlands, which is a critical ecosystem supporting a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, fish, and amphibians, will now enjoy enhanced protection under the Federal Government’s National Park Service.
The Hadejia Wetlands, often referred to as an international bird sanctuary, is renowned for its vast biodiversity and is home to approximately 400 species of migratory birds from as far away as Europe and Australia. The governor praised the wetland’s natural beauty, its undisturbed Sahelian characteristics, and the ecological balance it provides.
Governor Namadi expressed the state’s willingness to continue supporting the National Park Service to ensure the park’s long-term sustainability, while also advocating for the local communities’ active involvement in the park’s management.
He noted that the Jigawa State Government had taken steps to prepare for the transition, including providing vehicles and motorcycles for rangers, establishing temporary armories for arms and ammunition, and conducting advocacy and sensitization programs within the local communities.
Finally, the Governor thanked all those involved in the successful handover and expressed his optimism that the Federal Government would utilize the best available resources and technology to preserve the Hadejia Wetlands for future generations.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who was represented by Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni, the Conservator General of the Federation, officially accepted the handover on behalf of the Federal Government.
He expressed gratitude to the Jigawa State Government, praised Governor Namadi for his leadership in finalizing this crucial process that started in 2011, and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustainable management of the Hadejia Wetlands, now officially designated as a National Park.
The Minister highlighted the vast potential of the Hadejia Wetlands to become an eco-tourism hotspot, which will attract both national and international visitors. He further stressed the significant economic opportunities the park would create for the local communities, including job creation, increased revenue, and community development.
As part of this transition, the following assets were also handed over to the National Park Service:
- Two office spaces at Hadejia and Baturiya Village
- Two Rangers’ Quarters of 4-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
Hamisu Mohammed Gumel
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Jigawa State
September 10, 2024
