The Nigerian government and other stakeholders have made efforts to combat trafficking by establishing a Wildlife Enforcement Task Force, WLETF, within the West Africa sub-region.
The Taskforce team is also charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the recommendations of the International Consortium for Combating Wildlife Crime, ICCWC, toolkit assessment report are translated into concrete actions.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abass Lawal said the launch of of the ICCWC Wildlife and Forest Crime Analytic Toolkit Assessment Report is a comprehensive and timely document that will provide a clear-eyed view of challenges, as well as opportunities to strengthen the efforts to combat wildlife crime.
Represented by the Director, Planning, Research & Statistics, Stanley Jonah, the Minister said the Ministry will be exploring new technologies and innovative approaches to monitor and protect wildlife which will include the use of drones and satellite imagery.
“I commend the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) for their commitment and dedication to assisting Nigeria in this critical fight. This report represents not just an assessment but a roadmap for action-one that calls for greater collaboration, innovation, and determination, the Minister said at the event organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, in Abuja, on Friday 20th September, 2024.
“We recognize that much more needs to be done. Wildlife crime is a complex, transnational issue that requires a multi-faceted and collaborative approach.
“The recommendations in the ICCWC Toolkit Assessment Report provide us with a valuable guide as we work to improve our efforts. We are committed to implementing these recommendations in partnership with our international and domestic stakeholders.
“In this regard, I am pleased to announce that the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESRA), Federal Ministry of Justice (FMoJ), the Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS), the Nigeria Police Force, and INTERPOL has established a dedicated Wildlife Enforcement Task Force (WLETF) first the West Africa sub-region”, the Minister stated.
He also said it is imperative to understand the crucial role communities play in conserving wildlife, and forest resources, “empowering local communities to protect and sustainably manage our natural resources.