Agency, Justice Commission Mobilise Against Wildlife Trafficking

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen wildlife protection in Nigeria.

The director-general/CEO of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor and chief of investigations at the WJC, Stephen Carmody, represented by the regional manager for West and Central Africa, Abim Isafiade, endorsed the framework for cooperation to combat transnational organised criminal networks trafficking in wildlife, fish and timber.

The signing of the MoU was contained in a statement signed by the assistant director, Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor,

Ejiofor said the MoU will strengthen intelligence-sharing, enhance forensic and legal collaboration, and support future programmes under the Nigerian Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force.

Ejiofor quoted Barikor as saying, “This MoU aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and demonstrates our government’s determination to protect biodiversity, conserve threatened species, and ensure sustainable managed wildlife resources for future generations,” Barikor added that, “NESREA is committed to working hand-in-hand with the WJC to ensure that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven or transit hub for wildlife traffickers. Together, we will make it increasingly difficult for those who profit from the destruction of our natural heritage.”

The executive director of the Wildlife Justice Commission, Olivia Swaak-Goldman, said the collaboration with NESREA would bring fresh vigour into wildlife enforcement activities in the country.