FG takes over management of Plateau’s Pandam Park after years of abandonment

The Federal Government, via the Nigerian Park Service (NPS), has assumed control of the management of Pandam National Park in Plateau State following a period of neglect, insecurity, and criminal infiltration. This decision followed a formal transfer of authority from the Plateau State Government to the NPS in Jos, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The transfer is anticipated to revitalize the park's tourism operations, enhance security in nearby areas, generate employment opportunities, and lessen the financial strain on the state government.

The handover ceremony, organized by the Plateau State Tourism Corporation, involved representatives from the state Executive Council and senior officials from the Nigerian Park Service. Acting on behalf of Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Pwajok Chuwang, General Manager of the Plateau Tourism Corporation, emphasized the state's recognition of the advantages of transferring the park's management to the federal government, especially in tackling insecurity and enticing investment.

Chuwang highlighted that criminal elements had exploited the park's forested areas as a refuge for committing kidnappings and other illicit activities.

The Conservator-General of the Nigerian Park Service, Ibrahim Goni, represented by CP Jonah Moses, assured the public that the park would remain an integral part of Plateau State's heritage despite the change in management. The NPS pledged its commitment to rejuvenating the park, reinvigorating tourism activities, and promoting economic development in Plateau. Consequently, responsibility for reviving the facility now rests with the Federal Government agency tasked with managing Nigeria's national parks.

This development comes amid growing calls for increased investment in Nigeria's tourism assets, many of which remain underdeveloped despite the country's vast domestic tourism potential. According to a recent interview with Nairametrics, Paul Onwuanibe, CEO of Landmark Africa, cited World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates, which indicated that Nigerians spent approximately N4.95 trillion within the country in 2024, compared to N491.9 billion spent by international visitors.

Onwuanibe stressed that tourism assets necessitate professional management, routine maintenance, environmental conservation, and community engagement to remain appealing and sustainable. These challenges underscore the tasks that lie ahead for the Nigerian Park Service as it assumes control of Pandam National Park, particularly in restoring security, enhancing facilities, and transforming the park into a thriving tourism destination.