Zuma Rock’s Big Ambition: Joining the Ranks of UNESCO’s Elite Global Geoparks”

The UNESCO International Geosciences and Geoparks Programme-Nigerian National Committee (IGGP-NNC) has initiated strategic discussions with the Zuma Rock Resort Management, located along the Abuja-Kaduna Road in Niger State, to explore the potential designation of Zuma Rock as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

This collaboration prioritizes immediate steps to first establish the site as a national Geopark leveraging its existing tourism infrastructure to catalyze geotourism growth while safeguarding its geological and cultural heritage.

Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku, Chairman of UNESCO IGGP-NNC, underscored the urgency of protecting Nigeria’s geoheritage resources: “Our mandate is to identify, assess, classify, map and conserve Nigeria’s Geoheritage assets of international significance and seek UNESCO Geopark designation under the IGGP, which Nigeria has signed up to. Zuma Rock is a geological marvel facing urgent threats, including illegal rock quarrying, erosion, deforestation, and unregulated settlements.

As the UNESCO IGGP is situated within the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), we will advise the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to take immediate steps toward aligning quarrying and mining licenses with UNESCO IGGP statutes. This will ensure that areas identified as geoheritage resources, like Zuma Rock, are preserved for their geological history, cultural significance, aesthetic value, educational potential, and tourism appeal. We must conserve this hundreds of millions year old Zuma Rock for our generations yet unborn to see. The world needs to come see and appreciate our geological heritage—because the Earth is one.”*

The partnership seeks to elevate Zuma Rock’s status to a national Geopark as a precursor to UNESCO recognition. This designation will enforce stricter geoconservation protocols, curb destructive activities such as quarrying, and integrate climate resilience strategies supported by the UNESCO International Geoscience Programme (IGCP).

The IGCP’s focus on sustainable earth resources, climate change mitigation, and geoheritage preservation will guide technical assessments and community-led monitoring efforts.

Dr. Isyaku commended the NGSA for its foundational role in advancing this preliminary expedition: “We thank the Director-General of the NGSA for facilitating this critical groundwork. Our committee will soon collaborate with the Niger State Government to formalize protective measures, ensuring Zuma Rock’s legacy as a national treasure.”*

The initiative will also promote sustainable tourism practices at the potential Geopark, creating jobs in hospitality and heritage management while fostering partnerships with academic institutions for research on West Africa’s geological evolution.

This is a transformative opportunity for the Zuma Rock Resort, for Niger State and for Nigeria,” added Dr. Isyaku. “By aligning with UNESCO’s vision, we are not just conserving a rock—we are building a legacy of geoscientific stewardship, cultural pride, and economic empowerment.”