At the unveiling of an elephant statue in Abuja on July 31, 2024, Dr. Iziaq Salako, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Environment, stressed the significance of refusing to accept products that are not ethically sourced, especially purchases made online. This statue, which was made of ivory and crushed elephant tusks, represents the Nigerian Federal Government’s steadfast support of wildlife preservation. In order to combat illegal wildlife trafficking, Salako emphasized the necessity of working together with a number of government institutions, such as the Nigeria Custom Service (NCS), military, police, National Park Service, ICPC, and Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit.
Highlighting the importance of wildlife for ecological balance, survival, and sustainable development, he commended the NCS for its recent seizure of pangolin scales and derivatives worth over ₦3 billion in Kebbi. The statue is a symbol of Nigeria’s openness and its zero-tolerance policy for the illegal wildlife trade, according to Dr. Innocent Barikor, Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), who also spoke at the occasion. In order to combat the illegal wildlife trafficking, Barikor advised all parties involved to stay firm.
Illicit wildlife trade such as trafficking animals is a worldwide problem.
He also expressed gratitude for the assistance of important development partners, including World Conservation Society (WCS), Wild Africa, United States Embassy, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF). The illicit Trade in wildlife, which includes the trafficking of animals and their by-products like rhino horns, ivory, and pangolin scales, is a major worldwide problem. In addition to endangering the existence of many species, this trade also reduces biodiversity and disturbs ecosystems.
Along with drug and human trafficking, the illegal wildlife trade is one of the most profitable illicit industries in the world, with estimates of its yearly value ranging from $7 to $23 billion. Because Nigeria frequently acts as both a source and a transit country for wildlife trafficking, the trade has caused especially great harm there. Among the most impacted are pangolins and elephants, whose populations are rapidly dropping as a result of illegal trade and poaching. In this sense, the unveiling of a statue by the Nigerian government composed of crushed ivory is both a symbolic act and an indication of the nation’s resolve to address this urgent problem.
Gov’t intends to impose stronger rules on internet marketplaces.
John Scanlon, CEO of the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation, discussed the action’s worldwide significance and said, “Nigeria’s stand against the illegal wildlife trade sets a precedent for other nations in Africa.” This brave move demonstrates to the rest of the world that African countries are capable of taking the lead in preserving their rich wildlife heritage.” Nigeria intends to increase cooperation between the Nigeria Custom Service, the military, and the police in order to improve enforcement measures against the illegal wildlife trafficking.
According to Dr. Iziaq Salako, the government is also attempting to strengthen the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit’s ability to locate and disrupt the financial networks that support the trafficking of wildlife. The government also intends to impose stronger rules on internet marketplaces to stop the selling of animal items that were obtained illegally. This incident has important wider ramifications for Nigeria’s international relations and wildlife policies. Domestically, this action suggests a change toward stricter conservation initiatives, which may result in the creation of stronger Legislation protecting species.
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Internationally, Nigeria’s actions might improve ties with groups and nations that prioritize conservation and are eager to see a decrease in wildlife crime worldwide. Additionally, by making these efforts, Nigeria may be able to get greater help from international partners who share its commitment to conservation and strengthen its position in international environmental agreements like the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Nigeria has many obstacles in its efforts to stop the illegal wildlife trafficking, but its recent initiatives and upcoming plans mark a major improvement. Nigeria safeguards its own biodiversity and fights wildlife crime worldwide by coordinating national policy with international conservation objectives and bolstering enforcement capacities.