On October 24, 2024, the House of Representatives will hold a public hearing on the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024. This Bill, championed by Honourable Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, is a significant step forward in tackling the pressing issues of illegal wildlife trade, species conservation, and the decline of Nigeria’s unique wildlife and habitats.
Nigeria, like many countries, faces an urgent threat to its wildlife, with poaching and trafficking posing serious challenges to the country’s biodiversity. The Bill aims to strengthen the capabilities of law enforcement agencies, empowering investigators with more authority to look into financial matters, conduct intelligence led operations, and recover assets linked to wildlife crimes. It also seeks to expedite the legal processes involved in prosecuting wildlife related cases, ensuring that justice is served more swiftly.
One of the key highlights of this Bill is its alignment with international treaties and agreements, fostering global cooperation to curb illegal wildlife trade. By introducing tougher penalties for offenders, Nigeria aims to send a strong message to traffickers and poachers that their actions will no longer be tolerated.
Hon. Ugbor emphasized the importance of this Bill, stating, Protecting our wildlife means protecting livelihoods and ensuring a balanced ecosystem. We can’t allow wildlife trafficking to continue threatening our natural heritage. He also called on the public to participate in the upcoming hearing, encouraging all stakeholders to voice their opinions on this crucial issue.
The public hearing, which will be conducted by the House Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements in collaboration with the Committee on the Environment, has drawn support from numerous local and international organizations. Groups like the Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency UK (EIA), and Wild Africa (WA) have all expressed their backing, with further support coming from the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, and the Pangolin Crisis Fund.
As a signatory to several international conventions on endangered species and organized crime, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC), Nigeria has shown a commitment to addressing these issues. The passage of this Bill will be a crucial step in strengthening the country’s conservation efforts and protecting its natural heritage for future generations.
The public hearing on October 24 will offer a platform for various stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on the future of wildlife protection in Nigeria. With local and international interest in the Bill, it is poised to make a significant impact on the country’s conservation landscape.