The Managing Director and State Conservator General of the Bauchi State Tourism Development Corporation, Dr. Muhammad Nasiru Yusuf, has urged Nigeria to harness its rich biodiversity as a strategic economic asset to drive medical tourism and accelerate economic diversification.
Dr. Nasiru made the call during the 2026 World Wildlife Day celebration held in Abuja, according to a press statement issued by the corporation’s Public Relations Officer, Ismail Yusuf Gokaru. World Wildlife Day is globally observed every March 3.
Presenting a paper titled “Nature’s Pharmacy: The Impact of Flora and Fauna on Alternative Medical Tourism in Nigeria (2026 Perspective)” under the theme “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihood,” Dr. Nasiru said Nigeria must move beyond informal use of traditional medicine by formalising indigenous medicinal knowledge into a structured and professional “Naija Wellness” brand. He explained that integrating medicinal plants and sustainably managed zootherapy into organised medical tourism frameworks could unlock significant economic value and help Nigeria reach a projected ₦12.3 trillion revenue target by 2032.
Dr. Nasiru warned that rapid urbanisation and climate change could drastically alter Nigeria’s physical and demographic landscape by 2050, making biodiversity protection an urgent national priority. He stressed that without deliberate conservation strategies, valuable medicinal flora and fauna could be lost, undermining future wellness and tourism opportunities. Drawing attention to conservation initiatives at Yankari Game Reserve, he emphasised the need for improved security architecture and modern surveillance systems to safeguard forest reserves. According to him, such measures are critical to creating safe and regulated “clinical habitats” where biodiversity-driven wellness tourism can thrive.
The event also featured the presentation of an award to Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, who was honoured as one of Nigeria’s Best Tourism-Friendly Governors. The recognition underscores the Bauchi State Government’s commitment to conservation, eco-tourism development and policies aimed at positioning the state as a leading destination for sustainable tourism. Dr. Nasiru concluded that with deliberate policy support, investment in conservation, and the protection of indigenous knowledge systems, Nigeria could transform its biodiversity into a globally competitive medical and wellness tourism product; creating jobs, preserving heritage and diversifying the national economy beyond conventional sectors.
