The Bauchi State Government has earmarked ₦4.7 billion in its 2025 budget to revive the Yankari Game Reserve and Sumu Wildlife Park, as part of its broader strategy to promote sustainable tourism across the state.
Speaking on Tuesday in Bauchi, the Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Mr Abdullahi Hassan, stated that the significant investment is intended to upgrade key tourism infrastructure while highlighting the state’s rich cultural and ecological heritage to visitors and researchers.
According to Mr Hassan, ₦2.7 billion has been set aside for the rehabilitation and enhancement of the Yankari Game Reserve and Resort. This includes the installation of solar power systems for uninterrupted electricity, in addition to modern park facilities costing ₦1 billion.
A further ₦1 billion has been allocated to upgrade Sumu Wildlife Park, with the objective of increasing tourist patronage and boosting the state’s internally generated revenue.
To facilitate access and support park operations at Sumu, Mr Hassan revealed that the government plans to construct a 13.3-kilometre road from Kafin Madaki to the park, build an administrative block, and develop earth dams to supply clean water for both wildlife and visitors. The park—renowned for its approachable giraffes, zebras, and other docile species—will also be restocked with new animals to enhance the visitor experience.
The General Manager of the Bauchi State Tourism Board, Mr Nasiru Yusuf, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to conservation through its “Wildlife Rejuvenation Programme,” aimed at restoring habitats, reintroducing endangered species, and strengthening relevant legislation.
“Yankari Game Reserve remains a national treasure. Reviving its wildlife population is a key part of our conservation strategy,” Mr Yusuf said, noting that safeguarding biodiversity requires the collective responsibility of both government and citizens.
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He also disclosed that the Bauchi State Government has signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with international partners, including the Czech Republic, to advance tourism development in the state.
Similarly, former Head of the Forestry Department, Mr Steven Gassol, acknowledged the state’s partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to vaccinate over 12,000 cattle in agro-pastoral communities surrounding Yankari. This initiative is intended to minimise the risk of disease transmission between livestock and wildlife.
Mr Gassol highlighted the ongoing threats facing wildlife in Nigeria’s protected areas—namely poaching, habitat degradation, and climate-related challenges. However, he commended recent state and federal interventions, including the expansion of conservation zones, enforcement of anti-poaching regulations, and the introduction of community-based conservation initiatives.
He further praised regional collaborations aimed at tackling cross-border wildlife trafficking, describing them as a positive shift towards long-term ecological sustainability.
“Continued cooperation among stakeholders is vital to achieving lasting outcomes in wildlife conservation,” he added.
