Nigeria’s National Parks Poised for Revival as Chairman Calls for Leisure Culture Shift
Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, newly appointed Chairman of Nigeria’s National Park Service (NPS), is championing a transformative vision to elevate the country’s national parks into vibrant hubs of tourism, health, and education. Speaking recently in Umuahia, he urged Nigerians to consciously integrate leisure time into their annual routines, emphasizing that such a cultural shift could not only enhance personal well-being but also unlock significant economic potential for the nation.
Highlighting the often-overlooked benefits of spending time in nature, Dr. Ononogbu pointed out that regular visits to national parks can contribute to increased life expectancy by promoting physical activity, reducing stress, and fostering mental wellness. Beyond these health advantages, he envisions the parks as dynamic spaces that can generate substantial government revenue if effectively promoted and managed.
“Our parks are more than just places for relaxation,” he explained. “They hold immense potential as economic assets, educational resources, and creative inspiration for academics, writers, and filmmakers alike.” Yet, he lamented the widespread lack of awareness among Nigerians about the existence and value of their own national parks. Even the modest live-animal park in Abuja remains largely unknown to many residents of the Federal Capital Territory, underscoring the urgent need for targeted awareness campaigns.
Dr. Ononogbu stressed that cultivating a national consciousness around leisure and nature appreciation is essential. “By fostering lifestyles that prioritize health, education, and research through engagement with our parks, we can fully harness their benefits,” he said. To achieve this, the NPS Board is preparing to implement a comprehensive strategy with immediate, medium, and long-term goals aimed at revitalizing the parks and boosting their visibility to both local and international visitors.
Interestingly, Dr. Ononogbu also highlighted a prevailing trend among Nigerians who do take leisure seriously: many still prefer to spend holidays abroad rather than exploring domestic natural attractions. This preference results in significant foreign exchange outflows that could be curtailed if national parks were upgraded and marketed to meet the expectations of discerning travelers.
“If we can elevate the quality and appeal of our parks, Nigerians will choose to holiday at home, saving valuable foreign currency and stimulating local economies,” he noted. His commitment to showcasing the rich diversity of Nigeria’s national parks aligns with broader efforts to position the country as a compelling tourism destination on the African continent.
Dr. Ononogbu’s dual role as NPS Chairman and Abia State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) may provide strategic leverage to drive policy support and resource allocation for this ambitious agenda. His leadership signals a renewed focus on transforming Nigeria’s national parks from underutilized assets into thriving centers of conservation, education, and sustainable tourism.
For Africa’s tourism sector, this emerging narrative from Nigeria underscores the critical importance of domestic market development and the integration of leisure culture into everyday life. As more Nigerians embrace the health and economic benefits of their natural heritage, the ripple effects could stimulate investment, job creation, and enhanced global competitiveness for the country’s tourism industry.
Ultimately, the revitalization of Nigeria’s national parks offers a promising pathway to diversify the nation’s tourism offerings, reduce reliance on outbound travel, and foster a deeper connection between people and nature—an essential ingredient for sustainable growth in Africa’s evolving travel landscape.
