He claims that several national and international groups, such as the Wild Africa (WA), the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency UK (EIA), and the Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), have shown strong support for the Bill.

Nigeria’s Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024 is set for public hearing in the House of Representatives on October 24.

The Bill, which is being supported by Terseer Ugbor, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, seeks to combat habitat damage and wildlife trafficking. It also suggests severe punishments for violators in Nigeria.

If the Bill is signed into law, it would address urgent issues such as the illicit wildlife trafficking, species conservation, and the dwindling populations of Nigeria’s priceless animals and their ecosystems.

Ugbor claims that the Bill aims to strengthen law enforcement organisations’ capacities, grant detectives greater authority to investigate financial concerns and carry out operations under intelligence guidance, and empower courts to expedite wildlife cases and recover funds.

He went on to say that the Bill strengthens punishments for poachers and traffickers, promotes international collaboration, and is in line with international conventions.

“We must allow wildlife trafficking to continue to endanger our natural heritage. Preserving our animals also means safeguarding livelihoods and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

“Everyone will get a chance to express their thoughts on this important matter during this hearing. We strongly encourage everyone to take part in this important discussion,” the congressman stated in a statement released on Monday.

He mentioned that the Committee on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements and the Committee on the Environment of the House of Representatives will be hosting the public hearing together.

He claims that several national and international groups, such as the Wild Africa (WA), the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency UK (EIA), and the Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), have shown strong support for the Bill.

With funding from the Pangolin Crisis Fund, the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, and the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, he said the groups have been actively assisting the Nigerian government in its fight against wildlife trafficking.

Nigeria is party to several international conventions pertaining to organised crime, corruption, and endangered species. These conventions include the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC), the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).