Okomu National Park: Edo State’s Last Rainforest and Its Wildlife

Do you know there’s a rainforest in the wild that is still standing in Edo State? In a country where most rainforest is gone, Okomu National Park is quietly holding the line.

It’s one of the last fragments of lowland rainforest in southern Nigeria, protecting over 200 km² of wilderness that once stretched across 30,000 km². Inside this small space lives some of West Africa’s rarest wildlife, from white-throated monkeys to forest buffalo.

This article breaks down what makes Okomu National Park unique, why it’s worth protecting, and what Edo stands to gain if conservation efforts are strengthened.

Where Is Okomu National Park and Why Don’t More People Know About It?

Just an hour’s drive from Benin City in Edo State lies one of Nigeria’s best-kept ecological secrets, Okomu National Park. Despite its proximity to urban life, this compact yet biodiverse sanctuary remains largely unknown to many Nigerians.

Established on the fringes of the historic Okomu Forest Reserve, the park safeguards one of the last surviving tracts of pristine rainforest in southern Nigeria. Its dense canopy shelters rare wildlife, including endangered forest elephants, agile monkeys, and endemic bird species found nowhere else in the country.

Yet Okomu’s obscurity is a double-edged sword. While its low profile has spared it from mass tourism and encroachment, conservationists warn that anonymity risks its future. One environmental researcher asks the question;

“If people don’t know this forest exists, who will fight for it when threats arise?” –

As Nigeria grapples with deforestation and biodiversity loss, Okomu stands as a silent sentinel, a reminder of what remains at stake. The question now is whether this ecological treasure will remain a well-kept secret or finally claim its place in the national conservation narrative.

What Makes Okomu National Park So Special?

Okomu National Park is remarkable not only for surviving but for how it continues to thrive. The park sits inside what used to be one of West Africa’s richest forest zones. While other parts of the rainforest were logged, cleared, or turned into plantations, Okomu somehow held on.

Now, it remains a rare patch of lowland rainforest, teeming with life. Few forest elephants remain in Nigeria, but those that survive treat Okomu as a safe haven.

Over 150 species of birds call it home, from hornbills to eagles, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Okomu National Park is one of the last living records of southern Nigeria’s original forests. For conservationists, it is more than a park; it is a last stand and proof that wilderness can survive despite surrounding threats.

Threats to Okomu National Park Biodiversity

Okomu has the raw materials to be a top ecotourism spot in Nigeria. It offers rare wildlife, thick forests, and just enough remoteness for an authentic nature experience. Yet several challenges are limiting its potential:

• Access is tricky: The road leading into the park is not tourist-friendly, especially during the rainy season.
• Aging facilities: Guest chalets exist but are basic, and guided tours or proper signage are minimal.
• Security concerns: Local land conflicts and resource pressures affect the park, with some villagers wanting timber or farmland.
• Low awareness: Most Nigerians, even in Edo State, don’t know Okomu exists. There is no major marketing push to promote it.

Despite its potential, the park relies on what it could offer, not on sustained investment.

Animals and Plants You’ll Find in Okomu

Okomu National Park is home to a variety of species unique to southern Nigeria:

• Mammals: Forest elephants, white-throated monkeys, red river hogs, and pangolins.
• Birds: Hornbills, eagles, and over 150 recorded species, attracting avid birdwatchers.
• Plants: Rare orchids, mahogany, and iroko trees. These species support both ecological balance and local communities through sustainable harvest programs.

Protecting these species ensures that biodiversity in Nigeria is maintained and ecosystems remain resilient.

Conservation Programs and Partnerships

Okomu’s survival is supported by a combination of government, NGOs, and community-led initiatives:

• Nigeria National Park Service (NNPS): Oversees park management and ranger patrols.
• Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS): Trains eco-guards, monitors wildlife, and promotes policy advocacy.
• Local Communities: Villagers work as guides, report illegal activities, and participate in eco-tourism.
• Academic Institutions and Researchers: Conduct studies on biodiversity, climate impact, and ecosystem services to guide conservation strategies.

These efforts highlight how community and science-backed conservation can protect endangered species and forest habitats.

The Role of Communities and Local Guides

Fences alone cannot protect Okomu National Park. Local communities are key to conservation and ecotourism success.

• Eco-tourism guides and trackers: Young locals are trained to lead nature walks, spot wildlife like white-throated monkeys, and explain forest ecology, providing income and reducing hunting pressures.
• Forest intelligence networks: Farmers and elders report illegal logging, new forest paths, and changes in animal behavior, helping reduce threats to wildlife.
• Alternative livelihoods: Former hunters gain income from tourism, crafts, or forest-friendly farming, lowering the risk of habitat loss.
• Cultural storytelling: Heritage custodians share traditional tales connecting people emotionally to the forest, raising awareness about biodiversity loss in Nigeria.

Even with these efforts, the setup remains fragile. Without steady funding, training, and tangible benefits, local support can fade, putting Okomu at risk.

 

How Okomu National Park Can Become an Ecotourism Model

To lead as a model for southern Nigeria, Okomu needs more than visitors:

• Invest in infrastructure: Roads, accommodations, and safety improvements are crucial.
• Train and support more local guides: Ecotourism succeeds when locals lead. Consistent training and fair pay are essential.
• Link conservation to livelihoods: Jobs tied to conservation and tourism reduce biodiversity loss and incentivize forest protection.
• Promote Okomu’s value beyond tourism: Research, media exposure, and education campaigns can highlight its ecological significance.
• Stronger protections: Effective enforcement against illegal logging and poaching remains key for long-term sustainability.

 

Discover deeper insights into Nigeria’s biodiversity, national parks, and ongoing conservation efforts;

• Exploring Gashaka-Gumti: Nigeria’s Most Biodiverse National Park
• Endangered Species of Nigeria 2025: Can We Save Them?
• How Nigerian Youth Are Leading Conservation Efforts (2025)

Conclusion: Okomu National Park’s Role in Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation in Nigeria

Okomu National Park is more than just a forest; it is a critical hub for biodiversity and wildlife conservation in Nigeria. Protecting its lowland rainforest preserves endangered species, supports local livelihoods, and demonstrates how ecotourism in Nigeria can successfully combine economic development with environmental stewardship.

How Nigeria manages Okomu National Park today will influence the future of the country’s ecosystems and ensure that unique wildlife and rare habitats survive for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions About Okomu National Park and Ecotourism in Nigeria

How do I reach Okomu National Park for ecotourism in Nigeria?
Okomu National Park is about 60 km northwest of Benin City, roughly a 45–60 minute drive via Benin-Sapele Road. Private transport or guided tours are recommended for the best experience in Nigeria’s lowland rainforest.

What is the main game reserve in Edo State protecting wildlife and biodiversity?
Okomu National Park is Edo State’s central game reserve. It protects endangered species such as forest elephants, white-throated monkeys, and endemic bird species, playing a vital role in wildlife conservation in Nigeria.

Which animal is most associated with ecotourism and conservation models in Africa?
The mountain gorilla in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo, is the best-known example. Its conservation generates income for local communities and serves as a model for ecotourism in Nigeria, including Okomu National Park.

Are there accommodations for visitors inside or near Okomu National Park?
Yes. Visitors can stay in eco-lodges with chalets, treehouses, and family apartments. These options provide immersive experiences while supporting local communities and promoting sustainable ecotourism in Nigeria.