Okomu National Park, an important biodiversity hub in Edo State’s Ovia South West Local Government Area, is witnessing a remarkable transformation after years of neglect. Once plagued by illegal logging, poaching, and encroachment, the park’s rich ecosystem—home to the endangered African forest elephant and the rare white-throated monkey—is now being safeguarded through a strategic partnership.
Since 2022, a collaboration between the Okomu National Park Service (NPS) and the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation has been redefining conservation in the region. This initiative goes beyond merely protecting wildlife; it is a comprehensive effort aimed at enhancing security, empowering local communities, and fostering eco-tourism.
The 200-square-kilometer park, designated as a national park in 1999, had long suffered from unchecked deforestation and rampant poaching. Reports from conservation groups revealed that criminal syndicates exploited the forest for valuable hardwood, while illegal hunters targeted endangered species. A 2020 study by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) highlighted how commercial interests were driving deforestation and smuggling timber to international markets, putting the park’s ecosystem at severe risk.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, the National Park Service sought partnerships with conservation organizations. ANI Foundation, known for its successful conservation projects in Gashaka Gumti National Park, stepped in to provide a sustainable solution. Within two years, their joint efforts have led to a dramatic reduction in illegal activities.
According to Mr. Lawrence Osaze, Conservator of Park, the first major intervention involved bolstering security. “ANI Foundation recruited and trained 38 additional rangers, equipping them with modern surveillance tools to conduct regular anti-poaching patrols. This significantly curbed illegal logging and wildlife hunting,” Osaze explained.
Beyond enforcement, the initiative focused on local communities, whose economic hardships often forced them to depend on the forest. ANI introduced alternative livelihood programs, including savings and loan schemes for women and youth, helping them establish small businesses or expand farms. Traditional leaders have also been engaged, with the Iyase of Udo, Chief Patrick Igbinidu, acknowledging the positive impact. “ANI Foundation has not only improved security but also empowered our people. Many of our youths are now employed as rangers, and women have access to interest-free loans,” he said.
With Okomu National Park being a critical biodiversity hotspot, ANI Foundation is prioritizing species conservation to promote eco-tourism as a sustainable revenue model. Peter Abanyam, ANI Foundation’s Project Manager, emphasized the park’s ecological significance. “Okomu is the primary home of the white-throated monkey. Apart from a small population in southwestern Nigeria, this park is the only place they exist. The African forest elephant is another flagship species here,” he stated.
To enhance tourism potential, plans are underway to upgrade park facilities and market Okomu as a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. The long-term success of this initiative hinges on maintaining security while expanding livelihood programs to ensure sustainable conservation.
“Our vision is to make Africa’s wildlife a source of national pride and economic benefit,” Abanyam said. Meanwhile, local leaders remain committed to supporting the partnership. “ANI and NPS have shown genuine interest in developing our area, and we stand with them,” Chief Igbinidu reaffirmed.
As stakeholders advocate for replicating the Okomu model in other national parks across Nigeria, one thing is clear: conservation, when done right, benefits both the environment and the people who depend on it. The ongoing transformation of Okomu National Park stands as a beacon of hope, proving that strategic partnerships can secure Nigeria’s natural heritage for future generations.
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