Nigeria Launches Greater Zuma Geopark Initiative

Nigeria has initiated a national geopark movement through the Greater Zuma Geopark Initiative, launched during the First Nigeria Workshop on Geoparks held on August 17-18, 2026, at the Zuma Rock Geopark and Resort in Niger State. The workshop was sponsored by the Zuma Rock Geopark and Resort in collaboration with the Niger State Government and included stakeholders from government, academia, geoscience bodies, tourism, and civil society.

The event was opened by the Executive Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mohammed Umar Bago, represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism. The workshop was not sponsored by UNESCO but included insights from the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) on geoheritage potentials.

The National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM) provided guidance on future UNESCO engagements. Participants included members of the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) Nigeria National Committee, various geological societies, and academic representatives.

The Greater Zuma Geopark proposal emphasizes a broader geological landscape rather than just Zuma Rock, highlighting significant geological relationships in the region.