Section 7: Functions of the Service

The functions of the Service shall be to-(a) preserve, enhance, protect, and manage vegetation and wild animals in the National Parks;
(b) advise the Federal Government on the development and preservation policy of the National Parks, including the financial requirements for the implementation of such policy;
(c) advise the Federal Government on the declaration of areas which, for the purpose of protecting wildlife species, biotic communities, sites of special interest or of aesthetic value, the Service considers may be declared as National Parks under this Act;
(d) keep under review all activities relating to the National Parks;
(e) ensure the implementation of the National Parks Policy of the Federal Government;
(f) prepare surveys and maintain up-to-date records of all the existing facilities for the growth and protection of the fauna and flora in the National Parks, for zoological or botanical species, and for wild or domesticated animals and advise the Federal Government and State Governments on their adequacy and efficient utilisation in the interest of the national economy;
(g) promote, develop and carry out research on the wildlife resources of Nigeria, with a view to promoting optimum utilisation and management of the wildlife;
(h) encourage general education in the knowledge of wild and domestic animals, fauna and flora and vegetation by publishing or sponsoring the publication of the results of research, particularly in relation to problems affecting Nigeria;
(i) encourage the general public to visit the National Parks and the study of nature afforded in the National Parks, thereby popularising them as tourist attractions;
(j) co-operate with other agencies to promote and develop alternatives to wildlife as a source of protein and income for the rural population;
(k) implement relevant international conventions and obligations;
(l) co-ordinate the activities of the various National Parks Management Committees;
(m) administer and enforce this Act to attain its purpose; and
(n) carry out such other activities which, in the opinion of the Service, will facilitate the performance of its functions under this Act.