Abia Set to Host South-East’s First National Park as Otti Approves Landmark Conservation Initiative

UMUAHIA — Abia State is set to take a major step in environmental conservation and eco-tourism following Governor Alex Otti’s approval for the establishment of what is being proposed as the first National Park in the South-East.

Governor Otti gave the approval on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, when he received a delegation from the National Park Service, led by the Chairman of its Governing Council, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, at his office.

The Governor assured the delegation that the Abia State Government would give the initiative its full backing, describing the proposal as timely and consistent with the need to protect the state’s natural resources.

Interestingly, Governor Otti disclosed that he had earlier approved a request from the Commissioner for Environment for the tracing and identification of forest reserves across Abia State.

According to him, the state has 19 forest reserves, with 18 currently available for consideration. He said this provides an opportunity to develop conservation areas across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.

“Coincidences just keep happening. Earlier this morning, I approved a request from the Honourable Commissioner for Environment for the tracing of forest reserves. Clearly, there is somewhere to start from,” Otti said.

Otti Directs Environment Ministry to Begin Work

To accelerate the initiative, the Governor directed the Commissioner for Environment to work closely with the National Park Service and relevant experts to identify the most suitable location for the proposed National Park.

He also announced plans to constitute a dedicated team, led by the Commissioner for Environment and involving climate-change and environmental experts, to guide the state through the process.

Emphasising the importance of conservation, Otti said technological advancement could never eliminate humanity’s dependence on nature.

“Nature is something you cannot do away with. Sometimes, when you think you have overcome nature through technology, nature will still rise. That is why conservation is very important.”

The Governor also congratulated ACG Ugochukwu Michael on his elevation to the rank of Assistant Conservator-General and thanked the National Park Service for bringing the initiative to the state.

National Park Could Transform South-East Conservation

Earlier, Dr. Ononogbu said the delegation’s visit was partly to remind Governor Otti of his previous commitment to establishing a National Park in Abia.

He described the absence of a National Park in the South-East as a major gap that needs to be addressed.

“The South-East has zero in having a national park. This is a glaring omission that must be corrected, and Abia State, under your leadership, is best positioned to pioneer this change,” Ononogbu said.

The Governing Council chairman argued that the proposed park would go beyond environmental conservation, potentially creating new economic and employment opportunities for Abia and the wider South-East.

Among the anticipated benefits are job creation, increased internally generated revenue, tourism development, investment attraction, improved environmental protection, enhanced security and potential reduction in crime.

Abia Asked to Identify Suitable Forest Reserve

The National Park Service requested that the Abia Government identify an appropriate forest or game reserve that could be upgraded to National Park status.

It also urged the state to constitute a committee to work with the Service and relevant experts and subsequently forward a formal proposal to the Minister of Environment or the Conservator-General of the National Park Service.

If successfully established, the proposed National Park could become a significant environmental, tourism and economic asset for Abia, while giving the South-East its first major federal conservation destination.

For Abia, the initiative could also complement the state’s broader efforts to preserve its natural heritage while opening new opportunities in eco-tourism, hospitality, employment, investment and sustainable development.