Enugu State and UNESCO IGGP Nigeria Explore Geoheritage Conservation and Geopark Development

By Aluta News
February 07, 2026

The UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) Nigeria National Committee has commenced a technical engagement with the Enugu State Government aimed at advancing geoheritage conservation and exploring pathways for geopark development under the UNESCO framework. The delegation of the committee members included Professor Olusegun Ige Director General of Nigeria Geological Society (NGSA) & Secretary of the UNESCO IGGP Nigeria National Committee represented by Director Mrs Grace Okpala, Professor Nathaniel Goki representing the Nigerian Mining & Geoscience Society (NMGS), Mr Uba Saidu Malami representing the Geological Society of Nigeria and Dr Ganiyu Mosuro representing DigGeoNaija company.

During the meeting with His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, discussions focused on the potential global significance of Enugu State’s geological and cultural landscapes and the importance of safeguarding them through internationally recognised conservation and management mechanisms. The Governor acknowledges that protecting heritage assets is central to education, cultural continuity, and sustainable tourism development aimed at boosting the target number of tourist visitors to the State.

Speaking during the engagement, the Chairman of the UNESCO IGGP Nigeria National Committee, Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku, explained that Enugu State hosts a diverse range of geological features whose combined scientific, historical, and cultural values support a landscape-based approach to conservation in line with the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme, a formal United Nations initiative.

Dr. Isyaku identified the following locations as potential priority sites for geoheritage conservation and future geopark development, subject to detailed technical assessment and stakeholder consultation:

• Ngwo Pine Forest, Cave and Waterfall System
• Nike Lake and adjoining landscapes
• Enugu Coal Mining Heritage Sites, including Ngwo, Onyeama, and Iva Valley
• Udi Plateau escarpment and sandstone formations
• Ezeagu Waterfall and Ogbagada Caves
• Milliken Hill and historic tunnels
• Awhum Cave and Waterfall
• Okpara Mines and old railway corridors

He noted that the UNESCO IGGP framework discourages indiscriminate mineral exploitation, and supports responsible, ESG-aligned management of geological resources, identifying sensitive sites for protection while enabling geotourism, education, research, and community-based enterprise. Enugu’s historic identity as Nigeria’s Coal City, he added, presents a strong opportunity to demonstrate how post-mining landscapes can be repurposed for sustainable development.

The Committee further recalled that this state-level engagement follows its recent briefing of His Excellency the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria Kashim Shettima, during which Federal support was pledged for geopark development and states were encouraged to lead implementation through structured partnerships. Enugu State was selected as the Committee’s first engagement at this level in recognition of its geoheritage potential and alignment with new regional development priorities.

As a next step, the UNESCO IGGP Nigeria National Committee encouraged consideration of a working team to manage a State Geopark Development Office to coordinate geoheritage site management, community participation, and collaboration with relevant state institutions, research bodies, and the UNESCO IGGP-NNC towards geoparks establishment.

The Committee expressed confidence that Enugu State is well positioned to play a leading role in Nigeria’s geopark journey and to contribute to regional and global efforts to link geology with culture, education, and sustainable economic development under the UNESCO framework.