Nigeria’s House of Representatives has passed the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024, through its third and final reading. The bill aims to tackle illegal wildlife trade and habitat destruction by introducing tougher penalties for wildlife crimes and granting investigators expanded powers to trace financial transactions linked to trafficking networks.
The bill sends a clear message that Nigeria won’t tolerate the trafficking of illegal wildlife products, such as pangolin scales and ivory, to foreign markets. According to Terseer Ugbor, “This Bill sends an unambiguously clear message that Nigeria will not tolerate the use of its borders for trafficking of illegal wildlife products, such as pangolin scales and ivory, to foreign markets.”
Read also: Reflecting on 2024: ConservationsNG’s Journey Through the Year
Stakeholders have welcomed the bill, praising lawmakers for their commitment to wildlife conservation. Tunde Morakinyo, Executive Director of Africa Nature Investors Foundation, said, “The steady progress of this bill is a testament to Nigeria’s firm commitment to strengthening wildlife governance, combating wildlife trafficking, and positioning itself as a leader in conservation.” 🌿
Mary Rice, Executive Director of the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA UK), also commended the lawmakers, saying, “EIA commends the work of Nigeria’s lawmakers in continuing to support this important legislation, which demonstrates the country’s commitment to ensuring regional security and tackling the scourge of international trafficking networks.”
Read also: Deforestation Threatens Oluwa Forest Reserve: Need for Urgent Action
The bill will now move to the Senate for concurrence before proceeding to the President for assent. If adopted, it will mark a significant turning point in Nigeria’s approach to environmental and biodiversity protection, strengthening the country’s position as a regional leader in wildlife conservation. 🦒
