Nigeria closes illegal gold mine in National Park
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Nigeria’s National Park Service, with help from the military and conservation groups like African Nature Investors (ANI), removed approximately 4,000 illegal miners from the Kila gold mine within Gashaka-Gumti National Park in July.
Ibrahim Musa Goni, head of the National Park Service, views this as a conservation success but acknowledges the miners may return due to the remaining gold deposits. Goni stated that while the operation at Kila is a positive step, protecting Nigeria’s national parks faces ongoing challenges.
These include deaths of park rangers, insufficient funding, and increasing insecurity, though he maintains government control over all 13 operational national parks. The National Park Service collaborated with state governments and security forces to close the mine, and ANI provided equipment and training for rangers to monitor the area. The closure of the mine raises questions about the fate of the displaced miners and whether the government can provide them with alternative livelihoods.
Goni emphasized the importance of partnerships with conservation organizations, such as ANI, to supplement government funding and resources. He also highlighted the need for increased private sector involvement in developing ecotourism opportunities within Nigeria's parks, drawing inspiration from successful models in East Africa. Goni hopes to build on this success to secure Nigeria’s protected areas. He noted that rangers have faced danger confronting illegal miners and armed groups, and the service is working to improve ranger welfare, training, and equipment.
Despite challenges, Goni is confident that Nigeria can contribute to global biodiversity goals through conservation efforts and sustainable tourism.
