By MUHAMMAD DANBABA
New Legislation Aims to Combat Illegal Wildlife Trade and Enhance Conservation Efforts
The public hearing for the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024, is scheduled to take place in Nigeria’s House of Representatives on October 24, 2024. This significant legislation, championed by Hon. Terseer Ugbor, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, addresses critical issues such as illegal wildlife trade, species conservation, and the alarming decline of Nigeria’s wildlife and their habitats.
Key Objectives of the Bill
The proposed Bill seeks to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies and empower investigators with the tools necessary to address wildlife crimes effectively. Key provisions include:
- Increased Law Enforcement Powers: The Bill aims to grant investigators greater authority to examine financial matters related to wildlife trafficking and conduct intelligence-led operations.
- Judicial Efficiency: It proposes measures to expedite wildlife-related legal cases, ensuring swift justice and asset recovery in wildlife crime instances.
- Alignment with International Standards: The legislation aligns with global treaties and encourages international cooperation to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.
- Stricter Penalties: The Bill introduces tougher penalties for poachers and traffickers, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage.
Importance of Wildlife Protection
“Protecting our wildlife means protecting livelihoods and ensuring a balanced ecosystem. We cannot allow wildlife trafficking to continue threatening our natural heritage,” stated Hon. Ugbor. He emphasized that the upcoming hearing will serve as a platform for all stakeholders to voice their opinions on this vital issue, urging widespread participation in the discussion.
Joint Committee Hearing
The public hearing will be conducted jointly by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements and its Committee on the Environment, highlighting the collaborative approach towards wildlife conservation and legal reform.
Support from Organizations
The Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill has garnered substantial backing from both local and international organizations. Notable supporters include the Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), the Environmental Investigation Agency UK (EIA), and Wild Africa (WA). These organizations are actively assisting the Nigerian government in its efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, with additional support from the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, and the Pangolin Crisis Fund.
Conclusion
The upcoming public hearing on the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill represents a critical step towards strengthening Nigeria’s commitment to wildlife protection and combating illegal trafficking. As stakeholders prepare to engage in this pivotal conversation, the legislation’s potential impact on conservation efforts and the preservation of biodiversity in Nigeria remains a top priority.
