By Ayuba Doekyil
Pandam National Park, located in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State, is one of the largest game reserves in Nigeria.
It was established in 1972 by the then Military Governor of Benue-Plateau State, the late Joseph Gomwalk, to protect the area’s rich wildlife and natural environment.
Today, the park covers about 224 square kilometres of savanna, wetlands and forest.
The park is home to many wild animals, including antelopes, duikers, warthogs and monkeys.
Pandam Lake, which lies within the park, is home to hippopotamuses and the rare African manatee.
Visitors can also enjoy the sight of colourful parrots and many other rare bird species. For many years, the park has given visitors the opportunity to experience nature and appreciate Nigeria’s rich wildlife heritage.
Sadly, this natural treasure has received little attention over the years.
A recent study by researchers from the National Centre for Remote Sensing (NCRS), published in the International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, found that years of neglect exposed the park to illegal logging and widespread environmental destruction.
According to the study, during the transition of the reserve to a national park, the area became vulnerable to illegal activities, including illegal logging, hunting, grazing, armed robbery and kidnapping, with parts of the park reportedly serving as hideouts for criminal elements.
The researchers said these activities caused serious damage to the park’s wildlife and natural environment.
The study also found that although some vegetation has started to recover since the National Park Service took over, the park still needs stronger protection, regular monitoring and better management to fully restore its ecosystem.
Pandam National Park is more than a wildlife reserve, it is one of Plateau State’s greatest natural treasures.
With better security, improved tourism facilities and stronger conservation efforts, it can attract visitors from across Nigeria and beyond, create jobs, boost the local economy and preserve the state’s rich natural heritage.
The time to give Pandam National Park the attention it deserves is now.
Sources: Dakagan, J.B. et al. (2026), “Monitoring of Pandam National Park, Nigeria,” International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology; background information on Pandam Wildlife Park.
