Patrick Egwu, a passionate conservationist and the driving force behind the West African Conservation Network (WACN), is the Elephant Protection Initiative’s (EPI) friend of the month of January 2025. Patrick and his team secured an agreement with Nigeria’s National Parks Service to support the management of Lake Kainji National Park, located in Niger State near the border with Benin Republic. This partnership marks a new chapter in the preservation of one of West Africa’s most vital ecosystems, home to some of the last remaining lions in the region and a critical corridor for elephants that occasionally migrate from Benin. In a landscape where human activity increasingly threatens wildlife habitats, this initiative offers a glimmer of hope. The park is not only a sanctuary for endangered species but also a symbol of what dedicated conservation efforts can achieve
From the taxi business to the wilderness, how did you find your way into wildlife conservation?
My passion for wildlife began in childhood. During the years I lived in Owerri, Nigeria, with my parents, my father frequently took us to the local Nekede Zoo, sparking my early fascination with animals. Beyond these visits, I grew up listening to captivating stories from my parents, grandparents, and family friends about their encounters with wildlife in Nigeria. Born in the 1940s and growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, my parents experienced a time when Nigeria’s population was significantly smaller, and vast wild spaces remained intact. As a result, encounters with wildlife were far more common, whether in rural areas or along highways. Their stories painted a picture of a different era, one where nature and human life were more closely intertwined. These early influences shaped my deep appreciation for wildlife and ultimately led me down the path of conservation.
Diving right into your work with West African Conservation Network, please explain what the agreement is that you’ve signed with the Nigerian National Parks?
On October 27, 2023, the West African Conservation Network (WACN) signed a 31-year co-management agreement with the Nigerian National Park Service to support the restoration and development of Kainji Lake National Park. This partnership represents a long-term commitment to revitalising the park’s ecosystems and ensuring its sustainability. Under this agreement, WACN and the National Park Service will work collaboratively to transform Kainji Lake National Park into a thriving conservation area. Our shared vision is to enhance wildlife populations, strengthen conservation efforts, and develop the park into an economically self-sustaining protected area. By implementing strategic management practices and fostering community engagement, we aim to restore the park’s ecological integrity and establish it as a model for conservation success in West Africa.
What exactly is the situation at Lake Kainji?
Unfortunately, the situation at Lake Kainji is presently quite challenging. The park is experiencing security concerns due to the presence of armed bandits within its boundaries. This security issue has become the primary obstacle for our conservation efforts at this stage. We are actively working on resolving this situation, but it remains the most pressing challenge for now.
What about the lions? And elephants?
We are optimistic about the continued presence of lions in the park, based on reports from the National Park Service (NPS) and nearby communities. Our plans include deploying camera traps and, eventually, collaring the lions to better monitor their movements and health. However, these efforts are contingent upon addressing the current security situation first. As for elephants, there is a small non-resident population that frequents the park. While their presence is irregular, we are hopeful that, with the right interventions, we can create conditions to support a more stable elephant population in the future.
In what practical ways can West African Conservation Network help in this situation?
WACN is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges at Lake Kainji. Since signing our Memorandum of Understanding, we have been cultivating strategic partnerships that will significantly contribute to our conservation goals. Our approach is multi-faceted:
- Raising Funds: We are working to secure substantial financial resources to support the park’s rehabilitation and conservation programs.
- Addressing Security: We are actively engaged in tackling the current security challenges that hinder conservation work.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: We plan to improve the park’s infrastructure, which is crucial for both conservation efforts and facilitating sustainable ecotourism.
- Wildlife Monitoring and Reintroduction: We will assess which species currently remain in the park and explore opportunities for species reintroduction where appropriate.
- Promoting Ecotourism: Reviving ecotourism in the region will not only contribute to the local economy but also raise awareness about the importance of conservation.
While these are just a few of our planned initiatives, it’s still early in the process, and there is much more in the pipeline. We are committed to making a meaningful impact at Lake Kainji, and we look forward to sharing updates as progress is made.