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The Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor, has reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to end the commercial trade of donkey parts for medicinal use in Nigeria.
The NESREA DG recently reaffirmed its leadership commitment in Kaduna State, while destroying over 700 sacks of donkey parts handed over to it by the Nigerian Customs Service in compliance with environmental regulations and safety protocols.
In a statement signed by Nwamaka Ejiofor, Assistant Director, NESREA Press and Public Relations, two facilities were utilised for the incineration of the bones, while the skins were buried in a designated area.
NESREA highlighted that the success of this exercise underscores the collaboration of NESREA and the NCS, ensuring that the destruction was carried out in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, marking a notable achievement in the efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species.
It stated that the destruction was carried out under strict safety protocols to prevent any potential environmental or health risks. Personal protective equipment was worn by personnel involved in the exercise, and measures were taken to minimise the risk of exposure to any potential biohazards.
Meanwhile, Prof. Barikor has lamented the declining donkey population in Nigeria, warning that they are gradually going into extinction. He reiterated the firm stance of the Nigerian government against illegal exploitation of donkeys.
Prof. Barikor also highlighted that, “though donkeys are considered domestic animals, their demand by illegal traffickers for medicinal purposes and aphrodisiac led to an executive order by the Federal Government to curtail their commercialization”.
He added that the destruction of the donkey parts by NESREA and NCS was intended to discourage illicit trade in donkeys and expressed appreciation to the NCS for the strong support for the war against illegal trade in endangered species.
