Abia approves first South-East national park

On August 11, 2026, Nigeria — Abia State Governor Alex Otti approved the establishment of the first National Park in Nigeria's Nigeria — South-East Nigeria geopolitical zone, to be sited in Nigeria — Abia State. The approval was given during a meeting with a delegation from the United States — National Park Service led by its Governing Board Chairman, Kingsley Ononogbu, and Conservator-General Ibrahim Goni. Governor Otti directed the Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, to work with the United States — National Park Service and experts to identify a suitable location, noting that 18 of Abia's 19 forest reserves are available for consideration. He also announced the formation of a team to facilitate the project. The initiative aims to provide at least one conservation area in each of the state's 17 local government areas. The United States — National Park Service highlighted the socio-economic benefits, including job creation, revenue generation, investment attraction, and improved security. The governor also congratulated Ugochukwu Michael on his elevation to Assistant Conservator-General.