Enugu State is gaining international recognition for its caves, waterfalls, escarpments and historic coal sites as the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) Nigeria National Committee begins technical discussions with the state government on geoheritage conservation and geopark development.
The engagement, held with Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, focused on harnessing Enugu’s geological and cultural assets for sustainable tourism, education and economic diversification under the UNESCO geopark framework.
Members of the UNESCO IGGP Nigeria National Committee, drawn from leading geoscience institutions, briefed the governor on how Enugu’s landscapes — shaped by decades of mining and natural processes — meet key criteria for geopark designation. Governor Mbah acknowledged that protecting heritage sites is essential for cultural continuity and aligns with the state’s drive to grow visitor numbers and tourism revenue.
Chairman of the Committee, Dr Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku, said Enugu hosts a rare concentration of geological features with scientific, historical and cultural value, making it suitable for a landscape-based conservation approach promoted by UNESCO.
He listed priority locations under consideration to include Ngwo Pine Forest, Cave and Waterfall system; Nike Lake; historic coal mining sites at Ngwo, Onyeama and Iva Valley; the Udi Plateau escarpment; Awhum Cave and Waterfall; Milliken Hill tunnels; Ezeagu Waterfall and Ogbagada Caves; and the Okpara Mines and old railway corridors.
Dr Isyaku explained that the UNESCO IGGP framework discourages uncontrolled mineral exploitation and instead promotes responsible management of geological resources, community participation and geotourism development. He added that Enugu’s identity as Nigeria’s Coal City offers a strong opportunity to transform post-mining landscapes into sustainable economic assets.
The Committee noted that the engagement followed a recent briefing of Vice President Kashim Shettima, where federal backing for geopark development was pledged and states were urged to drive implementation. Enugu was chosen as the first state-level engagement due to its geoheritage potential.
The UNESCO body recommended the creation of a State Geopark Development Office to coordinate site management, research collaboration and community involvement as Enugu positions itself for geopark status.
