By Yemi Olakitan
The Minister of State for the Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako disclosed recently, the major reasons why the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) destroyed a total of 2.5 tonnes of confiscated wildlife stockpiles – ivories and elephant tusks – under its custody.
Dr Salako who disclosed this at the crushing/ pulverization exercise in Abuja, reaffirmed government’s zero tolerance for wildlife trafficking.
He said that the destruction of the products was a move to combat the illegal ivory trade and protect dwindling elephant population.
It is the first-ever ivory crush destroying significant stockpiles of confiscated elephant tusks weighing 2.5 tonnes.
“This accumulated confiscated wildlife specimen which has been properly stored and documented by NESREA in its Temporary Holding Facilities (THF) are gradually becoming over stretched.
“While there is the need to create more space in the Holding Facilities for safe keep of future seizures, many of these specimens have long been in the storerooms and their viability can no longer be ascertained.
“Therefore, there is need to avoid contracting any animal related diseases by the managers of the store rooms
“Nigeria has opted for the outright destruction of these stockpiles through pulverisation of elephant tusks and ivories, while pangolin scales and other skin products were earlier incinerated on Oct. 16, 2023.
“The option of outright destruction is aimed at showing the entire world that Nigeria is zero tolerant to illegal wildlife trade at any level and to serve as a deterrent to the illicit wildlife traffickers who uses Nigeria as their transit route.
“Today, a total of about 2.5 tonnes of ivories and elephant tusks specimen will be destroyed through the support of the Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) African Fund, the US Embassy, and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC).
“Others are Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Wild African Fund, and other development partners and the Federal Ministry of Environment being the parent ministry,” he said.
In his address, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Aliyu Jauro, said that the destruction of the confiscated ivory was a tangible step towards stamping wildlife trafficking.
“We stand united against the illegal ivory trade, and our actions today are not only crucial in preserving the majestic elephants for future generations.
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“Also in sending a clear message that Nigeria will do whatever it takes to protect our elephants and other endangered wildlife.
“This disposal exercise being witnessed today is strictly guided by the provisions of the International Environmental Convention,” he said
He said the resolutions by the Conference of Parties (COP) allowed member countries to dispose its confiscated live, dead /derivatives and accumulated specimens using the best applicable method(s) in lieu of country’s peculiarity.
Jauro said NESREA had opted for pulverisation to dispose-of the elephant tusk and had earlier incinerated the scaly specimen to reduce emission from open burning that may pollute the environment.
Earlier, Mr Korogone Sinagabe, a representative of the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPI), said that the destruction of the ivory was a demonstration of the determination to end the illegal and destructive elephant trade.
“We must join our efforts to end ivory trafficking and to raise awareness.
“Elephants are entwined in Nigeria’s history and culture, but tragically, today, only a few hundred survive in this country.
“We must inform people of this alarming situation.
“We are pleased to see that the Nigerian authorities are committed to conserving wildlife, for the benefit of current and future generations.
“Together, we can change the course of history, protect our biodiversity and preserve the natural heritage that belongs to all humanity.
“Let us commit ourselves to making this destruction a symbol of our determination to build a future in which the harmonious coexistence of human and wildlife is a cherished objective,” he said.
While elephants are not extinct in Nigeria, they are critically endangered, according to reports. It is estimated that fewer than 400 elephants remained in the country, as a result of poaching for their ivory and habitat loss.
The Federal Ministry of Environment, with support from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI), organized a workshop in June 2023 to draft a National Elephant Action Plan (NEAP) to save Nigeria’s remaining elephants.
The workshop identified 10 elephant sites in Nigeria, including three national parks, and produced a list of priority conservation actions required at each site. Elephants are on the very edge of extinction in Nigeria, and they need urgent protection and support.
