Buhari approves establishment of 10 national parks

The President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari ( retd .) , has approved the establishment of 10 additional national parks.
Minister of Environment, Mohammad Abubakar, announced this on Thursday at a press briefing in Abuja .
He said the establishment of the 10 parks would increase the country ’s national parks to 17 , adding that an executive bill would be sent to the National Assembly on the development .
Abubakar said, “ The President has graciously approved the establishment of 10 additional national parks bringing the total number of the national parks in the country to 17 .
“ To give credence and legal backing to this worthy cause , an executive bill will soon be presented to the National Assembly for further necessary action .”
The minister stated that the first national park in Nigeria, Kanji Lake , was created in 1979 .
This, he said, was followed by six others spread across the country .
“ The creation of additional national parks in Nigeria has become imperative in view of the prevailing effects of climate change across the globe , ” Abubakar said .
He added, “ This action is geared towards the United Nation ’ s policy of placing 25 per cent of its member countries ’ landmass under permanent vegetation cover for carbon sequestration to mitigate the effects of climate change and ameliorate other ecological challenges . ”
Abubakar said Nigeria currently had 6 .7 per cent of its total landmass under vegetation cover , which was grossly inadequate in line with global best practices .
He said the parks would further create more employment opportunities, alleviate poverty in rural areas and ultimately enhance the country ’ s revenue profile .