By Henry Umahi
These are happy times for nature and wildlife conservation stakeholders and organisations that have been actively supporting the Nigerian government’s efforts to fight illegal wildlife trafficking.
They are excited that Nigeria’s new “Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill” aimed at combating wildlife trafficking and protection of endangered species, has passed the first reading at the House of Representatives. They described it as a potential “game-changer.”
Prepared by the ministry of environment, it is jointly sponsored by Hon. Johnson Oghuma, chairman of the House Environment Committee, representing Etsako East/West/Central Federal Constituency and Hon. Sam Onuigbo, representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South Federal Constituency.
The legislation would make Nigeria compliant with international conventions on endangered species, organised crime and corruption, while increasing investigative powers to include financial enquiries and intelligence-led operations.
In addition to creating offences for damaging critical habitats, permit violations, the introduction of invasive species, obstruction and preparing to commit an illegal act, the bill seeks increase penalties to reflect the seriousness of the crimes and their impact on endangered species; expands courts’ ability to expedite wildlife cases and recover assets, create corporate liability and support international cooperation.
Oghuma said: “The rate at which some species of fauna and flora are being extinguished is assuming a frightening dimension. Every day, more and more species are becoming endangered and pushed to the brink of extinction. It is worthy of note that any action that is against biodiversity sustainability comes with a great cost. Just as humans have the right to life, so do the plants and animals.
“We (Nigeria) must, therefore, do everything within our strength to ensure their sustainability. It is time to act to stop environmental degradation and protect our wildlife and plants globally and Nigeria cannot afford to be the last.”
Executive Director, Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), Tunde Morakinyo, said: “This is a momentous thing for Nigeria. The whole world is watching us. Let’s get it right and show the world how we can be the leaders in Africa on fighting the illegal trade in wildlife.
“We salute the politicians for giving this their attention so close to the elections. They know how important this is for Nigeria.”
Mary Rice, Executive Director, Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), said: “This comprehensive legislation is cutting-edge and is a potential game-changer. Working alongside our partners, EIA sees this as a key step in tackling trafficking and protecting critically endangered wildlife in Nigeria and across Africa. We hope it can be rapidly adopted to address the current crisis.”
For Peter Knights, chief executive officer, Wild Africa Fund, “Nigeria has become the epicentre of the illegal trade in ivory and pangolin scales. If passed, this Bill would give authorities the legal tools to close down trafficking – border agencies have made huge seizures but have struggled to prosecute and pursue criminals internationally due to weak laws previously.”