COUNTRY Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Cheikh Touré, has urged the Federal Government to strengthen the implementation of laws that fight against wildlife crime and protect Nigeria’s biodiversity which is currently endangered.

Touré observed that the UNODC views wildlife crime as “Far more than an environmental concern”.

Speaking at this year’s commemoration of the World Wildlife Day themed ‘Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health,Heritage and Livelihoods” Wednesday in Abuja, Touré said wildlife crime ‘Is a serious form of transnational organized crime that undermines the rule of law, fuels illicit financial flows and deprives countries and communities of valuable natural assets.

“Illegal trafficking in wildlife and plant species weakens ecosystems, erodes community resilience and threatens sustainable development. Addressing these crimes requires strong institutions, effective enforcement and coordinated partnerships, the same pillars that underpin the UNODC Country Programme for Nigeria 2026–2030”.

The Country Representative insisted that “Strong legislation signals national commitment to protecting biodiversity and regulating trade in endangered species. In this regard, the recent passage of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill represents an important milestone for Nigeria.

“But legislation alone is only the first step. Effective implementation depends on awareness, institutional capacity, collaboration across sectors and active public engagement.

He said that UNODC is building a network of young Nigerians who will drive the UN’s #BeWildForNature digital campaign across social media under a ‘Youth Network’ umbrella.

The campaign which was launched in 2024, draws members through a competitive process of innovative solutions to wildlife and forest preservation.

“Building on this success, the finalists were integrated into the #BeWildForNature Youth Network as UNODC Young Wildlife Influencers. Between August and October 2024, they took part in a mentorship programme with monthly virtual sessions led by experts and thought leaders, who provided guidance on conservation, advocacy and digital engagement. Since then, they have continued to benefit from ongoing mentorship and support from UNODC.

“These young leaders are implementing initiatives and community outreach across their communities, and it is their collective commitment and leadership that has helped bring us together for this important event,” Touré said.

He pointed that this year’s World Wildlife Day theme draws attention to medicinal and aromatic plant resources that have sustained communities across Nigeria and Africa for generations.

These plants, he said, are deeply connected to traditional health systems, cultural heritage and local livelihoods.

“For many communities, they represent not only healing, but also identity and economic survival. Yet increasing pressure from overharvesting, habitat degradation, climate change and illegal trade continues to threaten these critical natural resources,” he laments.

Speaking on how the health of our ecosystems directly shapes the health of our societies, economies, and future, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, said “Across Nigeria and many parts of the world, medicinal plants remain a primary source of healthcare for millions of people.

“They represent generations of indigenous knowledge and cultural practice while also supporting livelihoods and local economies”.

Represented by the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, he decried that these vital resources face increasing threats from biodiversity loss, unsustainable harvesting, climate change, and environmental degradation therefore, protecting them is not only a conservation priority but also development imperative.

“The protection and conservation of biodiversity directly contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, (SDGs) including SDG 3- Good health and well-being; SDG 13- Climate action; SDG 14- Life Below Water; SDG 15- Life on land and SDG 16- Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions,” Fall adds.

On the vital role of youths in environmental sustainability, Mr. Onah Bisong of the Department of Youth Migration and Climate Action Resilience of Federal Ministry of Youth Development said that the federal government recognizes the critical role young people play in driving environmental sustainability and conservation efforts.

He said “Nigerian youth are not just beneficiaries of these natural resources; they are key partners in safeguarding them. Through innovation, advocacy, and community engagement, young people can champion sustainable practices, promote biodiversity conservation, and create green jobs that support economic growth.