…..Urge accelerated Readings, robust public hearing
Three International Organisations involved in campaign for environmental and nature protection and conservation have commended the swift passage of the Nigeria Wildlife Protection Bill for First Reading by the House of Representatives, while urging the lawmakers to expedite further legislative actions on the Bill.
Wild Africa Fund (WAF), Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), said that the swift attention accorded the Bill, demonstrates government’s commitment to meeting the country’s obligations in protection of endangered species, and to a large extend ensuring the wellbeing of all Nigerian.
The House of Representatives on 26 February,2024 passed the Nigeria Wildlife Protection Bill for First Reading.
Prepared by the Federal Ministry of Environment and sponsored by the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment and Member representing Kwande/Ushongo Federal Constituency in Benue State, Mr. Hon. Terseer Ugbor, the Bill seeks to tackle wildlife trafficking, protect endangered species, and ensure the nation comply with global conservation treaties.
It seeks to disrupt and deter illegal wildlife trade within the country by enhancing law enforcement capabilities, increasing investigative powers to include financial enquiries and intelligence-led operations, as well as expands courts’ ability to expedite wildlife cases and recover assets. It also creates corporate liability, supports international cooperation and imposes stringent penalties for traffickers and poachers.
ANI, the London-based EIA and WAF have been actively supporting the Nigerian Government’s efforts to fight illegal wildlife trafficking, with support from the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund and the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
Wildlife Policy Coordinator at ANI, Mr. Wilson Ogoke while commending the House of Representatives for job well done in quickly passing the Bill,urged the lawmakers to expedite further legislative actions on the Bill , adding that its timely enactment should be a matter of urgent national importance for Nigeria.
Ogoke said there was urgent need for the Bill to become law quickly to enable the country effectively effectively combat wildlife crimes ,which he said posed severe threats to the nation’s natural resources and people’s lives and livelihoods.
“The Bill is proposed policy response to the illegal wildlife trade and other forms of wildlife crimes which now posse very serious threat to biodiversity in Nigeria and across Africa, and which also is posing very serious threat to safety and well-being of Nigeria and across the World.
“And so, the switch enactment of this Bill is a matter of urgent national importance for Nigeria. I hope that now that it has been introduced in the House of Representatives and had its First Reading,the lawmakers would expedite legislative action on it to ensure its switch passage and to ensure that Nigeria has a consistent and comprehensive response to this very difficult problem.
On his part, the Nigeria Representative, at WAF, Mr.Festus Iyorah called on the Lawmakers to quickly proceed to public hearing on the Bill , giving the masses opportunity to make inputs towards achieving a robust Act that will effectively check wildlife crimes in the country.
“Now that the House of Representatives has finally passed the Wildlife Protection Bill for First Reading,what we expect the Lawmakers to do next is proceed to public hearing and also to conduct subsequent Readings such as the Second and Third Reading, and also to subject the Bill to further scrutiny from the lawmakers and then get public input before the Bill is accented into Law”, he said.
The WAF CEO , Mr. Peter Knights emphasized that “If passed swiftly, state-of-the-art legislation will make Nigeria the regional leader it needs to be in fighting wildlife crime and help wildlife across the African continent.
Also reacting, Mary Rice, Executive Director of EIA UK stated, “Criminal justice responses against wildlife trafficking can only succeed within the framework of robust legislation, enabling investigators, prosecutors and the judiciary to deliver justice. EIA is proud to have supported the development of this Bill so far, and urges Nigerian lawmakers to see through its enactment without delay.”
Nigeria is a signatory to series of International conventions on endangered species, organised crime and corruption, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora , the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption.
By Innocent ONOH (+234-8034158834 WhatsApp only)
