By Ademu Usman Idakwo
A Federal lawmaker , representing Kwande/ Ushongo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in Nigeria from Benue State, Hon. Terseer Ugbor, has decried the bad rating of Nigeria as a global center for wildlife trafficking in the recent years.
Ugbor , Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Environment has lamented the illegal activities of poachers and smugglers in Nigeria, even as he called for action to stop the trend.
The federal lawmaker said addressing these issues requires multifaceted approach, stricter enforcement, community engagement, and international cooperation which will in turn play crucial role in bringing this to an end.
He stated this in Abuja at the National Assembly Complex in a one day policy dialogue on “The Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill 2024″.
The lawmaker who sponsored the bill, said the activities of poachers portend grave dangers to the nation’s economy.
The lawmaker said “Nigeria has emerged with the unenviable status as a global hub for wildlife trafficking in recent years, and continues to be considered as one. Nigeria must therefore act quickly and work to reverse this negative status and threat to our beautiful country and the world.
“The passage of this legislation will mark a major milestone for global conservation efforts and Nigeria’s international image. The passage of this bill will also advance the legislative agenda of the 10th House of Representatives for Nigeria’s environmental sustainability.”
He equally noted that, the proposed legislation is “Aimed to address threats to biodiversity in Nigeria and across Africa by providing a consistent and strong legal framework to put an end to wildlife trafficking.
He stressed that biodiversity is threatened by the actions of wildlife criminals even as he noted that insecurity and zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19 have been traced to vices associated with wildlife criminality.
The Lawmaker further commended the Environmental Investigation Agency, Africa Nature Investors Foundation, and Wild Africa Fund for their input in the bill even as he acknowledged the donations of the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, the US State Department Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, as well as the Pangolin Conservation Fund.
