EIA, ICPC partner to tackle environmental crime

A London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has signed an agreement with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC) to tackle corruption in the public sector.

The partnership was signed by Dr. Musa Aliyu, Chairman of the ICPC, and Justin Gosling, EIA’s Securing Criminal Justice Program Lead, opening the door for greater cooperation and information sharing between the respective organizations.

Dr. Acknowledging the importance of tackling corruption in the area of ​​environmental crime, Aliyu said: “Environmental crime such as wildlife trafficking, pollution and crimes that contribute to climate change pose a major threat to Nigerians.

Gosling said the EIA has been working in Nigeria and across West and Central Africa for almost five years, developing the capacity of investigators and increasing awareness and understanding among prosecutors and the judiciary.

Gosling said the new partnership was crucial to developing the response to environmental crime in the region.

“Environmental crime networks are driven by profit and financial gain and the role of corruption in the public sector cannot be underestimated.

“We welcome this landmark agreement with the ICPC and look forward to working together to develop strategies to tackle wildlife trafficking and other forms of environmental crime,” he further explained.

EIA’s projects in West and Central Africa are supported by the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the Defra Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, the Pangolin Crisis Fund and the Full Circle Foundation.

According to EIA, the group investigates and campaigns against environmental crime and abuse. His undercover investigations reveal cross-border crimes against wildlife, with a focus on elephants, pangolins and tigers, and forest crimes such as illegal logging and deforestation for cash crops such as palm oil.