NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ACT

What Is This Policy?

An Act establishing the National Park Service to administer Nigeria's national parks, protect biodiversity and wildlife habitats within those parks, and promote eco-tourism and nature-based education for the benefit of present and future generations.

Who Does It Target?

National Park Service management and rangers Eco-tourism operators and visitors to national parks Local communities living adjacent to national parks Researchers and conservation organisations

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

To conserve representative ecosystems and their biological diversity in perpetuity, control human activities within park boundaries, develop sustainable eco-tourism, and advance public awareness of natural heritage.

Key Features

Establishment of National Parks: Provides the legal basis for declaring and managing national parks throughout Nigeria. Park Management Plans: Each park operates under an approved management plan guiding conservation and visitor activities. Strict Prohibition of Extraction: Hunting, logging, farming, and mining within park boundaries are prohibited. Eco-Tourism Development: The Park Service may develop visitor facilities and collect entry fees for reinvestment in parks. Community Benefit-Sharing: A proportion of revenue may be directed to buffer-zone communities.

Current Status

In force. The National Park Service is operational, managing Nigeria's network of national parks including Yankari, Kainji Lake, Old Oyo, and Cross River national parks.

Pay the prescribed entry fee at the park gate Eco-tourism operators apply for concession licences from the National Park Service Researchers require a research permit Application method: National Park Service, Abuja, or individual park headquarters

Important Terms

All activities within parks require prior written authorisation Removal of any plant, animal, soil, or water is prohibited Violation of park rules results in eviction, fines, or prosecution

Official Resources

Website: www.nps.gov.ng Policy Summary Document | Federal Republic of Nigeria

Legal Framework

Enacted under Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution. Operates alongside the Convention on Biological Diversity (ratified by Nigeria), the Wild Animals Protection Act, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency Act 2007, the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) Act, and the Land Use Act 1978.