President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the upgrading of the Marhai forest reserve in Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State to a national park.
Conservator-General and Chief Executive Officer, National Park Services, Ibrahim Musa Goni, disclosed the development while on a courtesy call on Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House on Monday in Lafia.
He said Buhari approved the upgrading of another nine forest reserves across the country out of the 23 earlier requested.
According to Goni, Nasarawa State government, in 2013, alongside other 22 states, requested for upgrading of the Marhai forest reserve, following which President Buhari approved the upgrading of ten forest reserves.
Sule praised Buhari for approving the recommendation of the NPS, establishing the ten new national parks.
According to the Governor, since inception, his administration has been promoting the Farin Ruwa tourism potentials with the state government constructing the 15-km Sisin Baki/ Farin Ruwa road to open up the area.
Sule was optimistic with its conversion to a national park the Marhai Forest Reserve will certainly lead other national parks because of its natural endowment, especially its ability to attract tourists.