Terseer Ugbor, the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Environment and member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency has highlighted Nigeria’s troubling status as a global hub for wildlife trafficking.
Speaking at a policy dialogue on the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill 2024, Ugbor underscored the urgent need to combat illegal activities such as poaching and smuggling, which pose significant threats to the nation’s economy and biodiversity.
Ugbor emphasized that wildlife crime not only undermines economic stability but also fosters corruption, facilitates insecurity, and increases the risk of zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19.
He stressed the importance of swiftly passing legislation to address these challenges and strengthen Nigeria’s legal framework for biodiversity conservation.
”The proposed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill aims to provide a robust legal framework to combat wildlife trafficking and protect biodiversity in Nigeria and across Africa,” he noted.
Ugbor stated that the collaborative efforts in drafting the bill included input from stakeholders and support from international partners such as the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund and the US State Department.
He urged the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, emphasizing its critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s biodiversity and combating wildlife trafficking.
He also called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders to address this pressing issue and protect the nation’s natural heritage for future generations.
On his part, Oliver Stolpe, the Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), called for a review of Nigerian legislation to ensure stiffer penalties for wildlife crime perpetrators.
He noted that the current legal framework does not adequately address the seriousness of wildlife trafficking, hindering effective law enforcement and international cooperation.
Stolpe commended the provisions of the proposed bill, which align with UNODC’s guidelines for combating wildlife crime.
He reiterated the need for increased penalties and comprehensive provisions to establish criminal liability and facilitate collaboration with international partners.
