FG destroys pangolin scales worth $1.2 million in Abuja

The Federal Government has destroyed 190 bags of pangolin scales and other wildlife products worth $1.2 million, which were seized from illegal traffickers six years ago in Abuja.

Minister of State for the Environment, Dr. Iziaq A. Salako, who spoke at the destruction site, said that destroying the pangolin scales and skins were not just to eradicate contrabands, but also to crush illegal trade that preys on wildlife.

He said the destruction of the seized items was to protect the environment, conserve the wildlife and combat illegal trade that drives species to their extinction.

Also speaking, Director-General, National Environmental Standards Regulations Enforcement Agency, Prof. Aliyu Jaura, said Nigeria had become a transit route of the illegal wildlife trade to Europe and Asia.

Jaura said: “We are trying to save our biodiversity and will review their regulations to check the crime.” On his part, Conservationist, Wild Africa Fund, Dr. Mark Ofua, said the burning of the scales would send a signal to traffickers and the international community that it would not be business as usual.

In his contribution, Mr. Daniel Renna of the Environment Department, American Embassy, who praised the Nigerian government for stepping up war against trafficking on biodiversity, called for cooperation in the fight.