UMUAHIA, Nigeria — Abia State Governor Alex Otti has endorsed the proposed establishment of the first national park in Nigeria’s South-East, with the project expected to be located in Abia State and contribute to environmental protection, tourism development and economic growth in the region.
Governor Otti’s administration has expressed support for the initiative, signalling its readiness to collaborate with the Federal Government and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate the establishment and development of the proposed park.
The governor said the project could provide Abia and the wider South-East with a major environmental and tourism asset while creating new opportunities for investment, employment and community development. He stressed the importance of preserving the region’s natural resources while developing them in ways that would generate sustainable economic benefits.
The proposed national park is expected to strengthen conservation efforts by protecting forests, wildlife and other important natural resources within the designated area. Beyond conservation, the project could provide opportunities for eco-tourism, recreational activities, research and environmental education.
Otti said the state government would provide the necessary support within its capacity to ensure that the initiative becomes a reality. He noted that the establishment of a national park in the South-East would address a longstanding gap in the region’s environmental and tourism infrastructure.
The governor’s backing comes as authorities increasingly explore ways to diversify local economies beyond traditional sources of revenue. Tourism and environmental conservation have been identified as sectors capable of attracting investment while providing employment and alternative income opportunities for communities.
The proposed park could also serve as a platform for promoting Abia’s cultural and natural attractions to visitors from within Nigeria and abroad. With appropriate infrastructure, security and management, the project is expected to attract tourists, researchers, conservationists and investors.
The initiative is also expected to encourage greater awareness of environmental protection among residents, particularly communities located around the proposed conservation area. Stakeholders are expected to work together to ensure that local communities benefit from the project while natural habitats are protected.
For the Abia State Government, the proposed national park represents an opportunity to position the state as a major tourism and conservation destination in the South-East. The administration has indicated that it will support measures aimed at ensuring the project delivers long-term benefits to the state and its residents.
The establishment of the park would also mark a significant development in the region’s environmental conservation landscape, given that the South-East has historically had fewer nationally designated conservation facilities compared with some other parts of Nigeria.
Otti’s endorsement is therefore expected to strengthen efforts toward securing the necessary federal approvals, technical arrangements and institutional support required to establish the park.
If successfully implemented, the project could become a major centre for conservation, tourism and economic activity in Abia, while providing the South-East with a new platform for environmental protection and sustainable development.
