ANI Expresses Concern Over Activities of Illegal Miners in National Park

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

A non-governmental organization, Africa Nature Investors (ANI), on Thursday expressed concern over the activities of illegal miners who they said are gradually taking over the northern part of Gashaka-Gumti National Park.

The organisation called on the state and federal governments to address this concern before it gets out of hand.

The Executive Director of Africa Nature Investors, Mr. Morakinyo Tunde, disclosed this during the commissioning of the Gumti outpost of the Gashaka-Gumti National Park in Toungo Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Mr. Morakinyo noted that illegal mining poses a significant challenge to ANI's core mission of developing and protecting Gashaka-Gumti National Park, aiming to make it a hub of development in Nigeria.

"The northern part of the national park still faces threats ranging from logging, farm encroachment, illegal cattle grazing, and illegal mining," he said.

"The problem with illegal mining is that it attracts criminals from across the country, which creates a new problem not only for the park but also for surrounding communities. I call on the state and federal governments to support us in closing down these illegal mining operations to ensure that visitors to the park are not faced with the threat of criminality, as seen in other parts of the country. This park has been one of the most peaceful in Nigeria, and we want it to remain so."

Mr. Morakinyo explained that establishing an outpost in the northern part of the park was aimed at tackling insecurity and creating more job opportunities for the youth in nearby communities.

"For many years, the northern Gashaka-Gumti sector faced serious security challenges, and there were no permanent rangers stationed in this part of the park. So, we collaborated with the National Park Service to build this Gumti outpost. I am pleased to say that, thanks to the partnership between the ANI Foundation and the National Park Service, we now have a presence in an area that once faced major security issues."

"This outpost permanently houses over 50 rangers and support staff, has 24-hour electricity, year-round water supply, continuous internet access, and is a testament to our commitment to make this park a catalyst for development in Nigeria, contributing to better livelihoods," he added.

In his address, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, thanked the ANI Foundation for its dedication to preserving the country's natural heritage for tourism purposes.

Represented by the Conservator General of the National Park Service, Ibrahim Goni, Balarabe reaffirmed the Federal Government's support for ANI's projects and programs aimed at developing and promoting Nigeria’s natural heritage through the Federal Ministry of Environment.

"The strategic collaboration between the National Park Service and Africa Nature Investors began in November 2017 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which has yielded positive outcomes, as witnessed today. This partnership aims to provide technical and financial support to the service in Gashaka-Gumti National Park, enhancing park protection, policing, and management," he said.

Responding, the Governor of Adamawa State, Alhaji Umaru Fintiri, represented by the Council Chairman of Toungo Local Government Area, Mr. Ahmed Sule, pledged to provide a conducive environment for the National Park Service and ANI Foundation to operate without hindrance.