A public hearing for the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024, is set to take place in Nigeria’s House of Representatives on October 24, 2024.
The bill, spearheaded by the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment Terseer Ugbor, addresses critical issues such as illegal wildlife trade, species conservation, and the alarming decline of Nigeria’s wildlife and their habitats.
The proposed legislation aims to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies, empowering investigators with more authority to probe financial matters and conduct intelligence-led operations. It also seeks to enable judges to expedite wildlife cases and recover assets effectively. Furthermore, the bill aligns with international treaties, promotes global cooperation, and introduces stricter penalties for poachers and traffickers.
“Protecting our wildlife means safeguarding livelihoods and maintaining a balanced ecosystem,” stated Hon. Ugbor. “We cannot allow wildlife trafficking to jeopardize our natural heritage. This hearing will serve as a crucial platform for all voices to be heard on this vital issue, and we encourage widespread participation.”
The public hearing will be conducted jointly by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements and its Committee on the Environment.
The bill has garnered robust support from various local and international organizations, including Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), the Environmental Investigation Agency UK (EIA), and Wild Africa (WA).
These groups have been actively assisting the Nigerian government in its efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, with backing from the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, and the Pangolin Crisis Fund.
