From Abdullahi Idris,Dutse
Jigawa State government has officially handed over the management of Hadejia Wetlands Game Reserve to the National Park Service, under the Federal Ministry of Environment, in a historic ceremony 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 Umar Namadi highlighted the importance of this momentous event in the state’s environmental preservation efforts and stressed that 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.
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 to support the National Park Service to ensure its sustainability, while also advocating for local communities active involvement in its 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 sensitisation programmes within local communities.
The governor thanked all those involved in the successful handover and expressed his optimism that the federal government would utilise the best available resources and technology to preserve Hadejia Wetlands for future generations.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, who was represented by the Conservator-General of the Federation, Dr Ibrahim Goni officially accepted the handover on behalf of the federal government.
He expressed gratitude to Jigawa State government and praised Governor Namadi for his leadership in finalising this crucial process that started in 2011.
He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to sustainable management of Hadejia Wetlands, now officially designated a National Park.
The minister highlighted the vast potentials of Hadejia Wetlands to become an eco-tourism hotspot, which will attract national and international visitors. He stressed the significant economic opportunities that the park would create for 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 four-bedroom semi-detached apartments in Baturiya and Kadira
- 142 staff of Hadejia Wetlands
- Two Toyota Hilux vehicles
- Nine motorcycles
- Water bodies and enclave communities
- The disputed land at the border of Jigawa and Bauchi States.
