In a major stride toward sustainable environmental governance, the Taraba State Government has formalised a strategic alliance with the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation to enhance the conservation and management of the Gashaka Gumti National Park, a vital ecological reserve that stretches across Taraba and neighbouring Adamawa State. The development comes as part of activities marking the 2025 Earth Day celebration, themed “Our Power, Our Planet,” which underscores the global call for accelerated environmental action.
The agreement, sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2025, outlines a comprehensive framework aimed at bolstering the protection and sustainable utilisation of the park’s natural resources. According to a statement released by both parties, the partnership encompasses eco-tourism development, environmental education, healthcare, agriculture, culture, and sustainable pastoralism—all geared towards inclusive economic growth and the realisation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Highlighting the significance of the agreement, the statement noted that Gautier Mignot, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Agbu Kefas shortly after touring the Gashaka Gumti National Park. He described the park as a “jewel of nature” and a vital ecological and economic asset for both Taraba and Adamawa states.
Governor Agbu Kefas, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to environmental conservation, expressed optimism that the partnership with ANI Foundation would yield far-reaching benefits for the people of Taraba State. “This collaboration signals our unwavering dedication to a conservation agenda that delivers real value to our communities,” the governor said. “The Gashaka Gumti National Park is not just an ecological treasure but a potential driver of job creation, investment, and sustainable development in our state.”
The governor assured the Africa Nature Investors Foundation of his administration’s full support in ensuring that the terms of the agreement are fully implemented. He also pledged that the benefits of conservation efforts would be distributed equitably among local communities living around the park.
On his part, Tunde Morakinyo, the Executive Director of ANI Foundation, lauded the Taraba State Government for its foresight and proactive stance on biodiversity preservation. He said the partnership offers a new model for conservation efforts in Nigeria—one that harmonises environmental protection with socio-economic advancement.
“Our collaboration with Taraba State will transform Gashaka Gumti into a model of sustainable development. It demonstrates how conservation initiatives can be aligned with economic planning and community development,” Morakinyo stated. He further noted that as the global community marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day with a focus on tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, initiatives like this reflect growing domestic efforts to protect biodiversity and harness natural assets for long-term growth.
Morakinyo also stressed that with several Nigerian states beginning to prioritise conservation as a critical part of their economic agenda, Taraba’s bold step serves as a blueprint for how environmental stewardship can coexist with development goals.
With the MoU now in effect, the Gashaka Gumti National Park is set to become a focal point in Nigeria’s broader climate and biodiversity strategy, positioning Taraba State as a trailblazer in the integration of ecological preservation and sustainable development
