By Yemi Olakitan
House of Representatives has approved the first reading of Nigeria’s new “Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill,” which seeks to stop wildlife trafficking and safeguard critically endangered species.
The legislation, prepared by the Ministry of Environment and jointly sponsored by Sam Onuigbo and Johnson Oghuma, the head of the House Environment Committee, would make Nigeria compliant with international conventions on organised crime, corruption, and endangered species while enhancing investigative powers to include financial inquiries.
The Bill approved on Wednesday, January 25, 2023, in addition to creating offences for destroying vital habitats, violating permits, introducing invasive species, obstructing traffic, and preparing to commit an illegal act, would also increase penalties to reflect the seriousness of the crimes and their effects on endangered species, expand the capacity of courts to expedite wildlife cases and recover assets, establish corporate liability, and promote international cooperation.
“The rate at which some species of fauna and flora are vanishing is taking on a frightening dimension,” Oghuma said. Every day, more and more species are put in danger of going extinct or becoming endangered. It is important to remember that any action that undermines the sustainability of biodiversity has a high price. Plants and animals have the same right to life as people do. Therefore, we (Nigeria) must use all of our efforts to assure their sustainability. Nigeria cannot afford to be the last to take action to stop environmental deterioration and safeguard our wildlife and vegetation on a global scale.
With assistance from the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund and the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the Nigerian government’s efforts to combat illegal wildlife trafficking have been actively supported by the Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), and Wild Africa Fund.
This is a significant development for Nigeria, according to Tunde Morakinyo, executive director of ANI. Everyone on earth is observing us. Let’s do it well and demonstrate to the world how we can lead Africa in the fight against the illegal wildlife trafficking.
“We applaud the lawmakers for focusing on this so closely before the elections. They are aware of how crucial this is for Nigeria.
According to Mary Rice, executive director of the EIA: “This comprehensive legislation is cutting-edge and might transform the game. EIA views this as a crucial step in combating trafficking and defending critically endangered species in Nigeria and throughout Africa, working with our partners. We anticipate that it will be quickly implemented to deal with the problem at hand.
Peter Knights, CEO of the Wild Africa Fund, continued, “Nigeria has developed into the centre of the illicit trade in ivory and pangolin scales. Although border agencies have made significant seizures, they have previously struggled to prosecute and pursue offenders internationally due to lax legislation. If this Bill is passed, it would provide authorities with the legal tools to shut down trafficking.