The Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024, on Thursday held a public hearing at the House of Representatives as the Nigerian government moves to establish stronger law against wildlife trafficking in the country.
The Bill, which addresses wildlife trafficking, habitat destruction and proposes strict penalties for offenders, and has gained strong public support is set to be moved to third reading.
The Bill which is sponsored by the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Terseer Ugbor, is aimed at securing stronger protections for Nigeria’s endangered wildlife, stamping out wildlife trafficking, updating and improving the current laws in the country.
The Bill also seeks to disrupt and deter illegal wildlife trade within the country by enhancing law enforcement capabilities, increasing investigative powers to include financial enquiries and intelligence-led operations, as well as expanding courts’ ability to expedite wildlife cases and recover assets.
It also aligns with international treaties, encourages global cooperation and introduces stricter penalties for poachers and traffickers.
Speaking during the public hearing of the Bill on Thursday, Ugbor said, “I’m encouraged by the overwhelming support we received at the hearing which shows how important this issue is for everyone, from members of the public, enforcement agencies to environmental groups.
“This Bill is about taking responsibility before it is too late and it represents hope for our endangered species and for the communities that depend on our ecosystems for their livelihoods. Now, we must make sure this legislation crosses the finish line.”
Nigeria is home to a stunning variety of wildlife, from lions to elephants and gorillas, but many species are on the brink of extinction due to poaching, habitat destruction, and several other threats.
The most populous African country has also emerged as a major transit hub for the trafficking of pangolin scales and ivory to overseas markets.
The public hearing was jointly held by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements and its Committee on the Environment.
It attracted comments and attendance from government agencies and departments as well as civil society, environmental organisations and other members of the public.
Following the public hearing, the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024 will proceed to its third reading in the House of Representatives.
To stem the tide of wildlife trafficking in Nigeria, Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency UK (EIA), and Wild Africa (WA) have been actively supporting the Nigerian government’s efforts to combat wildlife trafficking.
The organisations have been supporting the Nigerian government’s efforts with support from the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund and the Pangolin Crisis Fund.
Tunde Morakinyo, ANI Executive Director, said, “The broad-based support for the bill at today’s public hearing is a step in the right direction. It demonstrates Nigeria’s determination to stamp out wildlife trafficking through a strengthened legislative framework.”
Similarly, Mary Rice, Executive Director of EIA UK stated, “The momentum that this Bill has gathered demonstrates the country’s commitment to protect its natural heritage for future generations, and clearly reflects recognition of the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt robust legislation to tackle wildlife crime. EIA looks forward to seeing the enactment of this Bill.”
Also, the Wild Africa Chief Executive Officer, Peter Knights said, “Previous legislation was outdated and ineffective, but this Bill would put Nigeria ahead of the curve and empower Customs, Police and other agencies to effectively take on the illegal wildlife trade that drives biodiversity loss and threatens outbreaks of zoonotic diseases.”