The threat posed by wildlife crime in Nigeria has prompted the country to seek cooperation from international partners to curb the scourge. It is useful that the Federal Government, in collaboration with international partners, has taken steps to review Nigeria’s legal framework to contain this menace.
The protection of Nigeria’s biodiversity has become a central concern, especially at a time when illegal activities and crime are destroying Nigeria’s wildlife and natural heritage. Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its efforts to protect its rich biodiversity and curb illegal activities.
Balarabe Abbas, Minister of the Environment, emphasized this point during the launch of the International Consortium to Combat Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) toolkit evaluation report for Nigeria on September 20, 2024 in Abuja.
He said: “Nigeria is a country rich in unique and iconic natural resources, including the most diverse ecosystems in the world, including gorillas, elephants, pangolins, ostriches, lions and plants.” But with these blessings comes immense responsibility.
“Over the past few decades, we have seen an alarming increase in wildlife crimes, including poaching, illegal logging and trafficking of endangered species. These crimes only threaten the environment. It undermines the rule of law, fuels corruption, deprives communities of livelihoods, and undermines public health and natural security.”
The ICCWC Toolkit Evaluation Report was a comprehensive and timely document that provides Nigeria with a clear perspective on the challenges as well as opportunities to strengthen efforts to combat wildlife crime.
It is estimated that Nigeria loses billions of dollars to wildlife crime, a dire situation that requires greater coordination between national agencies, improved law enforcement capacity, and a strengthened legal framework to deal with it. This is the core area of the report.
It is on record that the federal government has taken several proactive steps to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement agencies. We are currently considering a legal framework and have signed a Cooperation Agreement Framework between Nigeria and Cameroon on Transboundary Ecosystem Conservation and Sustainable Management of Wildlife and Forest Resources, highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation. raising the public’s awareness of
Although Nigeria appears to be taking serious steps, the challenge is that wildlife crime is complex as it is a transnational problem that requires a multifaceted and collaborative approach.Despite the challenges, conservation of Nigeria’s wildlife is not just an environmental issue; it is a matter of national security, economic prosperity and global responsibility.It is expected that Nigeria will do well in this area, as expressed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Nigeria Country Office Officer, Mr. Danilo Campisi.
While Mr Campisi commended the efforts of the Nigerian Customs Service which had led to an increase in seizures at land, sea and airport border points, he noted that about two-thirds of all Nigeria-related seizures were reported by authorities of other countries. This suggests that: The interception capability still needs to be strengthened.
He said: “The 2024 Global Wildlife Crime Report reminds us that the harms arising from wildlife crime include a range of interconnected negative environmental, social, economic and governance impacts. evident in the continued exploitation of our rich biodiversity.”
He added: “Increased information exchange and cooperation with relevant authorities in countries of origin, transit and destination provide opportunities for intelligence-led operations and parallel or joint investigations aimed at discovering and dismantling human trafficking networks. “I can do it,” he added.
“In this context, it is important to understand what further measures are needed to tackle illegal trade in wildlife and forest products.”
The ICCWC Analysis Toolkit for Nigeria is carried out by UNODC under the overall leadership of the Federal Ministry of Environment and in collaboration with all relevant authorities in Nigeria to assess the effectiveness of the legal and regulatory environment as well as professional law enforcement agencies, prosecutors examines the organizational capabilities of , and judicial bodies that prevent, detect, investigate, prosecute and adjudicate wildlife and forest crimes.
This assessment will provide critical input for the effective implementation of the National Strategy to Combat Wildlife and Forest Crime in Nigeria 2022-2026, which was first launched in 2022.
The ICCWC toolkit report provides Nigeria and partners with new insights and recommendations aimed at strengthening legal and institutional responses to wildlife and forest crime in Nigeria, and all Stakeholders need to work together to advance implementation of these recommendations.
