Nigeria says legal frameworks to protect country’s biodiversity are being reviewed

The Federal Government of Nigeria has indicated that it is currently reviewing the country’s legal framework, including measures to protect the country’s biodiversity and curb illegal activities that are currently threatening Nigeria’s wildlife and natural heritage.

Speaking at the launch of the International Consortium for Wildlife Control Toolkit Assessment Report for Nigeria, Environment Minister Balarabe Abass said Nigeria is at a critical juncture in our country’s efforts to protect its rich biodiversity and tackle illegal activities that threaten our wildlife and natural heritage.

He said: “Nigeria is a country blessed with an abundance of natural endemic iconic natural resources such as gorillas, elephants, pangolins, ostriches, lions, flora, including some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. However, with these blessings comes immense responsibility. Over the past few decades, we have seen 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.”

The Minister, represented by Stanley Jonah, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at the Ministry, noted that the ICCWC Toolkit Assessment Report is a comprehensive and timely document that provides us with a clear picture of the challenges we face and the opportunities to strengthen our efforts in the fight against wildlife crime.

He indicated that one of the key findings of the report highlights the need for better coordination between national authorities, greater law enforcement capacity and stronger legal frameworks in response.

Lawal said: “In response, the Federal Government of Nigeria has taken several proactive steps. We have strengthened the capacity of our law enforcement agencies, are currently reviewing our legal frameworks, signed the Nigeria-Cameroon Cooperation Agreement on the Conservation of Transboundary Ecosystems and Sustainable Management of Wildlife and Forest Resources and raised public awareness on the importance of conservation.

The Minister acknowledged that wildlife crime is complex due to the transnational issues that require a multifaceted and collaborative approach, but noted that the recommendations in the ICCWC Toolkit Assessment Report provide valuable guidance in improving our efforts.

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

For his part, the officer in charge
Danilo Campisi, UNODC Country Office, Nigeria, said: “The World Wildlife Crime Report 2024 reminds us that the harms resulting from wildlife crime encompass a range of interconnected negative environmental, social, economic and governance impacts, evident in the continued exploitation of Nigeria’s rich biodiversity.

Campisi praised the efforts of the Nigerian Customs Service, which have resulted in an increase in seizures at land, sea and airport border posts. Two-thirds of all seizures involving Nigeria were reported by authorities from other countries. He said this indicates that interception capabilities still need to be strengthened.

He added: “Enhanced information sharing 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 detecting and dismantling human trafficking networks.

“In this context, it is crucial to understand what further steps are needed to address the illegal trade in wildlife and forest products.

“The ICCWC Analytical Toolkit for Nigeria, implemented by UNODC in collaboration with all relevant Nigerian authorities under the overall leadership of the Federal Ministry of Environment, examines the effectiveness of the legal and regulatory environment, as well as the institutional capacities of specialized law enforcement, prosecution and the judiciary to prevent, detect, investigate, prosecute and try crimes against wildlife and forests. This assessment provides important input for the effective implementation of the National Strategy for Combating Wildlife and Forest Crimes 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 at strengthening the legal and institutional response to wildlife and forest crime in Nigeria and I call on all national stakeholders to work together to promote the implementation of these recommendations.”

Michael Olugbode