Federal Gov’t Reviews Legal Frameworks To Combat Wildlife Crimes

The federal government in collaboration with international partners, has taken steps to review Nigeria’s legal frameworks, aimed at protecting the country’s biodiversity in order to tackle the threats of illegal activities and crimes that have ravaged Nigeria’s wildlife and natural heritage.

The minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas made this known while speaking at the launch of the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) toolkit assessment report for Nigeria in Abuja on Friday.

The minister noted that Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its efforts to safeguard its rich biodiversity and to curb the illegal activities that threaten its wildlife and natural heritage.

He said: “Nigeria is a nation blessed with an abundance of natural endemic iconic natural resources such as gorilla, elephant, pangolin, ostrich, lion, flora, including some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. However, these blessings come with immense responsibility.

“Over the past few decades, we have witnessed an alarming increase in wildlife crime, including poaching, illegal logging, and trafficking of endangered species. These crimes not only threaten our environment but also undermine the rule of law, fuel corruption, and deprive communities of their livelihoods, undermine public health and natural security.”

Represented by the Director Planning, Research and Statistics in the Ministry, Stanley Jonah the minister noted that the ICCWC toolkit assessment report was a comprehensive and timely document that provides Nigeria with a clear cut view of the challenges as well as the opportunities for strengthening the efforts to combat wildlife crime.

He stressed the need for enhanced coordination among national agencies, improved law enforcement capacity, and stronger legal frameworks, as outlined in the report.

Abbas said, ” In response, the Federal Government of Nigeria took several proactive steps. We have strengthened the capacity of our law enforcement agencies, are currently reviewing our legal frameworks, signed the Cooperation Agreement Framework between Nigeria and Cameroon on Transboundary Ecosystems Conservation and Sustainable Management of Wildlife and Forest Resources, and increased public awareness on the importance of wildlife conservation.”

The minister acknowledged that wildlife crime is complex because it is a transnational issue, adding that it requires a multifaceted and collaborative approach. He said further that the recommendations in the ICCWC toolkit assessment report provide the nation with a valuable guide to improve its efforts.

He said: “As we launch this important report today, I urge all stakeholders, government agencies, international partners, civil society organisations, and the private sector to come together and renew our collective commitment to combating wildlife crime,” adding that: “Let us remember that the protection of our wildlife is not just an environmental issue, it is a matter of national security, economic prosperity, and global responsibility.”

On his part, the Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Country Office, Nigeria, Danilo Campisi said: “The World Wildlife Crime Report 2024 reminds us that the harms resulting from wildlife crime include a range of interlinked negative environmental, social, economic, and governance impacts, which are evident in the ongoing exploitation of Nigeria’s rich biodiversity.”

Campisi, while commending the Nigeria Customs Service for its efforts, which have resulted in increased seizures at land, sea, and airport border points, said that authorities of other countries reported two-thirds of all seizures involving Nigeria. This suggests that interception capabilities still need to be strengthened.

He added that: “Enhanced information exchange and cooperation with relevant authorities in countries of origin, transit, and destination offer opportunities for intelligence-led operations and parallel or joint investigations aimed at detecting and dismantling trafficking networks.

“In this context, it is critical to understand what further steps are required to tackle the illegal trade in wildlife and forest products.

“The ICCWC Analytical Toolkit for Nigeria, conducted by UNODC in cooperation with all relevant Nigerian authorities under the overall lead of the Federal Ministry of Environment, examines the effectiveness of the legal and regulatory environment, as well as the institutional capacities of specialised law enforcement, prosecution, and the judiciary to prevent, detect, investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate wildlife and forest crimes.

“This assessment provides important inputs for the effective implementation of the National Strategy to Combat Wildlife and Forest Crime in Nigeria 2022-2026, which was first launched in 2022.”

He explained that: “The ICCWC toolkit report provides us with new insights and recommendations aimed to strengthen the legal and institutional response to wildlife and forest crime in Nigeria and I urge all national stakeholders to work together to advance the implementation of these recommendations.”