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.
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 limited
means. With this partnership, Sumu will finally rise to its full
potential — our rangers will be empowered, our wildlife will
rebound, and our communities will share directly in the
benefits.”
Mr. Zakari commended Bauchi State Government for its
unwavering support and reaffirmed its readiness to provide
the political and administrative backing needed to make the
collaboration a success. He emphasized that the government
has already strengthened water systems for wildlife and is
committed to improving access, law enforcement, and
coordination with local communities as part of the park’s
long-term development plan.
Communities at the Heart of Conservation
The partnership places local communities at the centre of
Sumu’s transformation. WACN and BASG will work together
to create a functional buffer zone that promotes coexistence
between wildlife and surrounding villages — offering new
livelihoods, education, and conservation awareness
opportunities.
A Community Advisory Council will also be established to
ensure local participation, transparency, and benefit-sharing
as development unfolds.
“When I informed the village heads that WACN was coming
on board, they were overjoyed,” Zakari said. “For the first time
since the park’s creation, they will see tangible investment,
international collaboration, and genuine inclusion in
conservation.”
A Model for Nigeria’s Protected Areas
The 35-year MoU will be implemented through a Joint
Management Committee (JMC) made up of representatives
from WACN and Bauchi State Government. The partnership
highlights Bauchi’s leadership in conservation reform and
WACN’s growing reputation as a trusted partner in
protected-area recovery.
This agreement follows WACN’s successful 31-year MoU
with the Nigeria National Park Service (NNPS) for the
co-management of Kainji Lake National Park, further
positioning WACN as one of the most dynamic conservation
institutions in West Africa.
The 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 in
Nigeria.
“Sumu Wildlife Park will stand as a symbol of what can be
achieved when visionary leadership meets professional
conservation management,” Elachi concluded. “This is not just
a partnership — it is a legacy for the people and wildlife of Bauchi State.”