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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives, Committee on Environment, Terseer Ugbor, has identified poaching and smuggling of wildlife was fostering and fueling in the country.
Ugbor, who stated this on Monday in Abuja, while speaking at a policy dialogue on the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, wildlife crimes also enable the spread of zoonotic diseases.
The lawmaker, who noted that the country has the “unenviable status as a global hub for wildlife trafficking in recent years, said there need to reverse the negative status swiftly.
He said: “Experts refer to the triple-planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss which together threaten environmental sustainability, economic development and community wellbeing.
“Biodiversity is particularly threatened by the actions of wildlife criminals, as illegal activities like poaching and smuggling are a major sabotage to our economy. Wildlife crime also fosters corruption, facilitates insecurity and presents opportunities for the spread of zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19.
“Nigeria has emerged with the unenviable status as a global hub for wildlife trafficking in recent years and continues to be considered as one. Nigeria must therefore act swiftly and work to reverse this negative status and threat to our beautiful country and the world.
“The passage of this legislation will mark a major milestone for global conservation efforts and Nigeria’s international image, the passage of this bill will also advance the legislative agenda of the 10th House of Representatives for Nigeria’s environmental sustainability.”
Ugbor explained that the proposed legislation is aimed at addressing threats to the biodiversity in and across Africa, through the provision of a strong legal framework to put an end to wildlife trafficking.
