FG Backs Reps’ Move To Curb Wildlife, Forest Crime

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal Abbas yesterday said, the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill 2024 when passed into law, will help accelerate progress in the fight against wildlife and forest crime.

Abbas who stated this at a policy dialogue on “The Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill 2024,” said the enactment of such law will catalyse the protection and conservation of Nigeria’s iconic species especially the endangered one.

Represented by the deputy director of Forestry in the Ministry, Rasak Kolawole Adekola, the minister said outdated laws and legislations remain one of the challenges confronting sustainable forest and biodiversity conservation in the country.

He said the imperatives of addressing this particular challenge underscore the importance of cordial relationship between the executive and the legislative arms of government.

“The challenges facing our environment and wildlife are substantial, ranging from habitat loss to poaching and illegal trafficking. The anticipated  passage of this bill is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative to protect and preserve the rich tapestry of life that sustains us all.

“Although Nigeria is being dubbed as a transit point for wildlife trafficking, we are not losing sight of such crime being perpetrated domestically. The various subsisting laws and legislation have proven to be inadequate in addressing this problem.

“This explains why we are here today to subject the draft Bill on the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection  2024 to policy dialogue, thereby giving opportunity for stakeholders to contribute and make the document impeccable as much as possible,” the minister noted.

In his remarks, the sponsor of the bill and deputy chairman, House Committee on Environment, Terseer Ugbor (APC, Benue) lamented the unfortunate status of Nigeria as a global hub for wildlife trafficking in recent years.

The lawmaker also bemoaned the illegal activities of poachers and smugglers in Nigeria and called for action to stop the trend hence such activities portend grave dangers to the country’s economy.

He said: “Nigeria has emerged with the unenviable status as a global hub for wildlife trafficking in recent years, and continues to be considered as one. Nigeria must therefore act swiftly and work to reverse this negative status and threat to our beautiful country and the world.

„The passage of this legislation will mark a major milestone for global conservation efforts and Nigeria‘s international image. The passage of this bill will also advance the legislative agenda of the 10th House of Representatives for Nigeria‘s environmental sustainability.

“Although not strictly a requirement of the lawmaking process, this policy dialogue is necessary to harmonise stakeholders‘ position on the bill and clear the way for its expeditious approval and adoption as law.”