Bauchi, Nigeria — In a landmark step for wildlife
conservation in Northern Nigeria, West African
Conservation Network (WACN) has signed a 35-year
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bauchi State
Government (BASG) to jointly manage, restore, and expand
Sumu Wildlife Park, located in Ganjuwa Local Government
Area of Bauchi State.
The long-term agreement marks the beginning of a new era
for Sumu — one that promises to secure its landscapes,
restore wildlife populations, and reposition it as a premier
centre for conservation, research, and sustainable
eco-tourism in Nigeria.
A Vision for Transformation
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Bauchi, Ms. Justina
Elachi, Project Manager, WACN Sumu Wildlife Park
Project, described the partnership as “a bold commitment to
transform Sumu Wildlife Park into the most secure and
scientifically managed protected area in Northern Nigeria.”
“We are not just conserving wildlife; we are rebuilding an
ecosystem, empowering communities, and setting a new
benchmark for protected-area management in West Africa,”
Elachi said. “Through this partnership, WACN will mobilize
national and international funding to transform Sumu into a
thriving hub for biodiversity restoration, eco-tourism, and job
creation.”
Under the MoU, WACN will spearhead efforts to:
- Strengthen ranger training, equipment, and security
operations; - Restore native ecosystems and manage existing wildlife
scientifically; - Develop new infrastructure including fencing, patrol bases,
and tourism facilities; - Build sustainable community partnerships in surrounding
areas; and - Establish Sumu as a centre for applied conservation
research and monitoring.
A New Chapter for Bauchi’s Conservation Future
Mr. Naziru Zakari Muhammad, General Manager of Sumu
Wildlife Park, described the MoU as “the turning point Sumu - has been waiting for.”
- “The coming of WACN is the rebirth of Sumu Wildlife Park,”he said. “For years we have kept the park alive with limitedmeans. With this partnership, Sumu will finally rise to its fullpotential — our rangers will be empowered, our wildlife willrebound, and our communities will share directly in thebenefits.”Mr. Zakari commended Bauchi State Government for itsunwavering support and reaffirmed its readiness to providethe political and administrative backing needed to make thecollaboration a success. He emphasized that the governmenthas already strengthened water systems for wildlife and iscommitted to improving access, law enforcement, andcoordination with local communities as part of the park’slong-term development plan.Communities at the Heart of ConservationThe partnership places local communities at the centre ofSumu’s transformation. WACN and BASG will work togetherto create a functional buffer zone that promotes coexistencebetween wildlife and surrounding villages — offering newlivelihoods, education, and conservation awarenessopportunities.A Community Advisory Council will also be established toensure local participation, transparency, and benefit-sharingas development unfolds.“When I informed the village heads that WACN was comingon board, they were overjoyed,” Zakari said. “For the first timesince the park’s creation, they will see tangible investment,
- international collaboration, and genuine inclusion inconservation.”A Model for Nigeria’s Protected AreasThe 35-year MoU will be implemented through a JointManagement Committee (JMC) made up of representativesfrom WACN and Bauchi State Government. The partnershiphighlights Bauchi’s leadership in conservation reform andWACN’s growing reputation as a trusted partner inprotected-area recovery.This agreement follows WACN’s successful 31-year MoUwith the Nigeria National Park Service (NNPS) for theco-management of Kainji Lake National Park, furtherpositioning WACN as one of the most dynamic conservationinstitutions in West Africa.A Shared LegacyThe WACN–BASG partnership is expected to deliver:- Hundreds of direct and indirect jobs;- Enhanced land security and anti-poaching operations;- Growth in eco-tourism and state revenue;- Greater international visibility for Bauchi; and- A replicable model for community-led conservation inNigeria.“Sumu Wildlife Park will stand as a symbol of what can beachieved when visionary leadership meets professionalconservation management,” Elachi concluded. “This is not justa partnership — it is a legacy for the people and wildlife Bauchi State”.