Nigeria Takes Bold Step to Combat Wildlife Trafficking as Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill Clears First Hurdle

ABUJA/Nigeria: In a decisive move to address the rampant issue of wildlife trafficking and bolster conservation efforts, Nigeria’s House of Representatives witnessed the successful first reading of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill on Monday, February 26.

The proposed legislation, championed by Hon. Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment and prepared by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment, signifies a significant stride towards enhancing the country’s legal framework to combat illegal wildlife trade. Notably, the bill has garnered support from various stakeholders, including conservation organizations like the Wild Africa Fund.

According to Wild Africa Fund, the bill aims to confront wildlife trafficking head-on, safeguard endangered species, and ensure Nigeria’s compliance with international conservation treaties. Hon. Terseer Ugbor emphasized the crucial role of the legislation, highlighting that wildlife trafficking poses not just a threat to nature but also jeopardizes the delicate balance of our planet.

Key provisions of the bill include empowering law enforcement agencies with enhanced capabilities to combat illegal wildlife trade, facilitating international cooperation, imposing stringent penalties on traffickers and poachers, and establishing corporate liability in wildlife-related offenses. Moreover, the legislation seeks to expedite wildlife cases in courts and recover assets linked to illegal activities.

Hon. Ugbor expressed optimism about the bill’s potential impact, underscoring the collective responsibility to safeguard Nigeria’s natural heritage for future generations. He emphasized the importance of aligning domestic legislation with global treaties, positioning Nigeria as a responsible participant in the global fight against wildlife crime.

The enactment of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill would not only fortify Nigeria’s stance against wildlife trafficking but also elevate its status as a regional leader in conservation efforts. International organizations such as the Africa Nature Investors Foundation and the Environmental Investigation Agency have thrown their weight behind the bill, emphasizing the urgent need for its swift enactment.

Tunde Morakinyo, Executive Director of Africa Nature Investors Foundation, hailed the bill as a landmark initiative that would bolster Nigeria’s fight against wildlife crime. Similarly, Mary Rice, Executive Director of EIA UK, stressed the importance of robust legislation in combating wildlife trafficking, urging Nigerian lawmakers to expedite the bill’s passage.

Peter Knights, CEO of Wild Africa Fund, echoed the sentiments, emphasizing the transformative potential of the legislation in curbing wildlife crime across the African continent.

As the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill progresses through hearings and subsequent readings, it stands poised to undergo further scrutiny from lawmakers and stakeholders, signaling a promising step forward in Nigeria’s commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship.