NPS Identifies Illegal Mining as Major Threat to Nigeria's Forests

The National Park Service (NPS) has identified illegal mining, wildlife trafficking, banditry, and kidnapping as major threats to Nigeria's forests and protected areas. Conservator-General Ibrahim Goni made this statement during a meeting with the Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN) in Abuja.

He highlighted the importance of journalists in exposing these issues, noting that many problems in national parks remain underreported. Goni reported that the NPS, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, has closed two illegal mining sites in Gashaka-Gumti National Park, displacing over 4,000 miners.

He warned that such actions could provoke resistance and called for alternative livelihoods for affected communities. The NPS is also working with the Ministry of Solid Minerals on mining issues in Oyo State and has arrested 17 miners in Rivers State.

Goni expressed concern over Nigeria losing approximately 300 hectares of forest reserve daily, which could accelerate desertification. He mentioned that Nigeria now has 17 national parks, with 13 operational, following an expansion under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.