The Federal Government is set to partially commercialise three national parks to boost tourism in the country.
Conservator-General (CG) of National Park Service (NPS), Dr Ibrahim Goni, made the disclosure on Monday while receiving some rangers’ kits donated by Rotary Club of Maitama, in Abuja.
Goni listed the three national parks to include: Gashaka-Gumti, which is the largest national parks in Nigeria, Kanji Lake national park, the country’s premier national park and Cross River national park, which is one of the rain forest national parks.
“With the public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement of our organisation, we are going to open the parks for investors and entrepreneurs.
“This will make them take some aspects of tourism and improve them, while the government retains the aspect of protecting the resources,” he said.
Goni commended the club for its support to the service through provision of the kits, urging them to continue to do more for the park.
Earlier, a former President of the club, Mr Yusuf Ali, commended the park officials for their commitment to the park’s activities.
“We know that your job is risky and some of the items we have provided are to enhance your defence when you are in your games reserves.
“You are playing major roles in preserving the games and that is why we decided to support you,” Ali said.
He expressed concern over some games which were going into extinction, assuring that his club was ready to offer continuous partnership with the park.
The kits donated by the club included: 45 pieces of rechargeable torch, mosquito nets, whistles, water bottles, 35 pieces of rain coats, rucksacks and jackknives.