NESREA signs MoU with Wildlife commission to combat trafficking

Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), an international non-governmental organisation, to strengthen wildlife protection in the country.

NAN reports that the MoU was signed by Innocent Barikor, director-general of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and Stephen Carmody, chief of investigations at the WJC, who was represented by Abim Isafiade, the organisation’s regional manager for West and Central Africa.

The agreement aims to establish a framework for cooperation in combating transnational organised criminal networks trafficking in wildlife, fish, and timber.

Speaking in Abuja, Barikor said the partnership would enhance intelligence-sharing, forensic and legal collaboration, and support future programmes under the Nigerian wildlife law enforcement task force.

“This MoU aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and demonstrates our government’s determination to protect biodiversity, conserve threatened species,” he said.

“This agreement also aimed to ensure sustainable managed wildlife resources for future generations.

“NESREA is committed to working hand-in-hand with the WJC to ensure that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven or transit hub for wildlife traffickers.

“Together, we will make it increasingly difficult for those who profit from the destruction of our natural heritage.”

Olivia Swaak-Goldman, executive director of the WJC, said the collaboration with NESREA would inject fresh vigour into wildlife enforcement activities in Nigeria.

“By expanding our partnerships to include NESREA and the Nigerian Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force, we can sustain and deepen this transformation — ensuring that Nigeria continues to set the benchmark for intelligence-led enforcement,” she said.

In May, the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill 2024 passed its third and final reading in the house of representatives.

The bill enhances Nigeria’s response to serious and organised wildlife trafficking and introduces stricter penalties for wildlife crime.