A Model for Sustainable Development of Geoparks in Northeastern Nigeria and Other Underrepresented Regions in Africa

In Nigeria, the northeastern region contains a remarkable concentration of geosites, ranging from fossil-rich sedimentary basins to volcanic plateaus and crater lakes. These geosites are critical natural archives, yet a longstanding policy bias favors the conservation of biological resources over geological heritage, leaving these irreplaceable sites vulnerable to degradation and destruction. This study presents the first integrated, quantitative inventory and evaluation of 24 key geosites in Northeastern Nigeria. Here, we combine numerical scoring of twelve geoheritage criteria with SWOT analysis and the Abiotic–Biotic–Cultural (ABC) model to evaluate their significance, threats, and development potential. Our assessment found the Yankari Wikki Warm Springs, the Mambilla Plateau, the Kaltungo Horst, and the Lamurde Geothermal Springs as sites of national to international significance, meeting core UNESCO Global Geopark eligibility criteria. Eight other sites, including Lake Chad, Biu Plateau, and the Gombe Inlier, show high potential but require infrastructure and accessibility upgrades. We identify opportunities to integrate abiotic conservation into the protected area framework of Nigeria to foster geotourism and diversify rural economies. As a result, this study proposes a strategic five-year roadmap for geopark nomination, including legislative reform, community-based conservation, and partnerships between the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, National Parks Service, and local governments. Importantly, our work provides a foundation for sustainable geotourism and geoconservation by aligning the unique geological diversity of NE Nigeria with global conservation frameworks, while positioning the region as a future flagship for African UNESCO Global Geoparks.