International Bodies On Wildlife Partners Nigeria Customs Against Illegal Trafficking Of Wildlife

By Obiabin Onukwugha

Representatives from the Wildlife Justice Commission and US Fish and Wildlife, have the visited Nigeria Customs’ Special Wildlife Unit in Lagos to assess facilities and discuss improved partnership against illegal wildlife trade and Training initiatives.

This visit was in commemoration of World Wildlife Day, which holds on 3rd March every year, according to a statement on the NCS verified X handle.

Speaking after the tour, Deputy Comptroller of the unit, Haniel Hadison highlighted the benefits of partnering with international organizations in the fight against illegal wildlife trade. He thanked the Comptroller General of Customs for his capacity-building drive.

He said, “For the past three hours or thereabouts, we have had the privilege of having the unit’s partners from other international organizations. We used this opportunity also to showcase how far we have come and how we have been able to do so in the fight against the illegal trafficking of wildlife items.

“There is much for Nigeria Customs Service, particularly the wildlife unit, to achieve from these international partners. They are bringing in their expertise, technocrats, and the level of knowledge for us to tap from. So, above all, it’s going to be an added value, particularly as it relates to the CGC’s clarion call on capacity building.

“Every day, Nigeria Customs officers and men, particularly the special officers, are being trained in this aspect. They have been making a lot of arrests and a lot of prosecutions. It’s ongoing; Investigations also are ongoing. So, my message to them is that they should desist from these illegal activities because there’s no room for them,” he warned.

The Coordinator of the Special Wildlife Unit, AC Abimbola Isiafade, stated that the existing partnership with international organizations signifies a bright future for the unit.

She further stated that the training is expected to commence in a few months to combat illegal wildlife trade and trafficking.

“Going forward, we’re going to improve on the training we’ve been having. Before now, we’ve only trained maybe a fraction, but now we want to train practically all the men and officers of Nigeria Customs Service, and I know that is possible with the kind of support we have gotten now.

“We are partnering with, in addition to the partnership that we have, the likes of Wildlife Justice Commission, we are partnering now with the US Fish and Wildlife.

“We had a meeting last month where they pledged their support. And here they have come to assess the environment to see what we have, the facilities we have, for them to know what and where to step in, in terms of capacity building,” she added.