President Buhari Approves Acquisition of Helicopter for National Park Service

Zeniat Abubakar, Abuja.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the acquisition of an helicopter for National Park Service, NPS, for the promotion and protection of the country’s Parks.

The Conservator General of National Parks Service, Dr. Ibrahim Goni stated this at a Press briefing in Abuja the nation’s capital on the occasion of the 2022 World Ranger Day.

He said acquisition of the helicopter would help the National Park Service to carry out its mandates effectively.

Dr. Goni also noted that the NPS would not relent in its efforts in using technologies in monitoring the activities of the National Parks Service across the country.

“We are collaborating with telecommunication service providers, in the country to acquire communication equipment to help safeguard the country’s National Parks, and for easy communication as this would help us cover some areas of our parks, particularly MTN.” Dr. Goni explained.

He added that the Nigerian Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, are also helping in training the Park Rangers to improve their skills, while also providing adequate security for the National Parks across the country.

The Assistant Conservator General, Mr. Okedeji Okeyoyin, while highlighting some of the significance of World Ranger Day, said Park Rangers should be valued for their vital role at the front line of conservation by getting support from individuals, corporate organisations as well as local and international NGOs.

He also noted that Park Rangers, be provided with needed field equipment to have the ability to defend themselves in the event of any problem.

“Parks Rangers should be provided with decent working conditions and a living wage that will encourage them to do more, Park Rangers families and communities should have on-going support when Rangers are injured or killed in the line of duty, with insurance cover.”He added.

Director General, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr, Joseph Onoja, said the organisation would continue to partner and support the NPS, to ensure that the country’s protected areas are well protected.

He added that the organisation understands the role and the importance of NPS, in protecting the Country’s Natural heritage.