The ANI Foundation has announced plans to establish Nigeria’s first commercial eco-tourism lodge, aiming to boost the nation’s economy while safeguarding its rich biodiversity.
In a statement released on Thursday, the foundation’s Executive Director, Tunde Morakinyo, expressed concern over Nigeria’s underdeveloped eco-tourism sector despite the country being one of Africa’s most biodiverse nations.
Factors such as insecurity, poaching, and weak enforcement of environmental laws, according to him, have hindered conservation and tourism efforts in Nigeria.
Morakinyo highlighted that many national parks, including Kainji Lake and Kamuku, have been overrun by criminal elements, making them inaccessible to rangers and tourists.
“This has not only disrupted conservation initiatives but also contributed to the illegal wildlife trade.” He stated.
“I am optimistic that in the next couple of years, we will be in a position to launch the first commercial eco-tourism lodge in one of the two national parks where we work,” Morakinyo stated.
Adding that, “We are determined to demonstrate that eco-tourism in the country’s national parks is possible and will, in fact, generate jobs and income benefiting Nigeria’s economy.”
Despite these challenges, ANI Foundation, he said, has been collaborating with the National Park Service to improve conditions in Gashaka Gumti and Okomu National Parks.
“Over the past four years, the foundation has invested heavily in recruiting, training, and equipping rangers, leading to a significant reduction in illegal activities such as logging, poaching, and mining—particularly in Gashaka Gumti National Park, which spans Taraba and Adamawa states.” Morakinyo announced.
The foundation also warned that beyond insecurity, Nigeria’s conservation efforts are threatened by rampant habitat destruction caused by deforestation, artisanal mining, and urbanization. Climate change, marked by rising temperatures and extreme weather events, is further exacerbating the situation, while low public awareness of conservation issues remains a major concern.
The ANI Foundation’s eco-tourism initiative, as gathered by WorldClass247News, is expected to serve as a model for sustainable tourism, potentially transforming Nigeria’s national parks into thriving economic and environmental assets.
By Akpeji Charles