Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has pledged to effectively manage the Gashaka Gumti National Park and ensure the fair distribution of conservation benefits among local communities.

The assurance came during the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Taraba State Government and the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation in Jalingo.

The agreement, announced as part of the state’s activities to commemorate Earth Day under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” marks a significant step toward transforming Nigeria’s largest national park into a model for eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, education, healthcare, and inclusive economic growth.

The Executive Director of ANI Foundation, Tunde Morakinyo, in a statement, said the partnership aims to promote conservation-led development and support the state’s broader environmental and economic goals.

“Our collaboration with Taraba State sets a precedent for conservation-led development in Nigeria,” Morakinyo said. “Together, we can showcase how environmental preservation and economic progress go hand in hand.”

Governor Kefas lauded the initiative, emphasizing that conservation efforts must be integrated with strategies for local economic empowerment. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to protecting natural resources while improving the well-being of park-adjacent communities.

Gashaka Gumti National Park, which spans Taraba and Adamawa States, plays a central role in Taraba’s strategy to curb deforestation and wildlife trafficking.

A day before the MoU signing, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, visited the park and paid a courtesy call on Governor Kefas.

Describing the park as a “jewel of nature,” Mignot praised its vast potential as a cornerstone of sustainable regional development.