There are concerns that the legislature is foot-dragging review of wildlife laws, which are outdated and not stringent enough to tackle illegal wildlife trade in the country.

The existing federal laws lack synergy with wildlife laws enacted between the 70s and 80s, covering the preservation and conservation of wildlife in Nigeria as enshrined in two sets of Acts, namely: The Nigerian Endangered Species Act (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act, Decree 11 of the 1985 Constitution and Section 20 of the National Parks Service Act.

The inability of the country to update its laws has affected the implementation of global treaties, drawn the ire of international organisations on several occasions, and led to the ban of the country, severally, as well as made Nigeria a gateway for illegal wildlife trade.

International conventions on endangered species to which Nigeria is a signatory member include the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

Attempts to review the laws under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, through an Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill – prepared by the Nigerian Ministry of Environment and jointly sponsored by Johnson Oghuma, and Chair of the House Environment Committee, and Sam Onuigbo, only passed its first reading at the House of Representatives.

The bill would have made Nigeria compliant with international conventions on endangered species, organised crime and corruption while increasing investigative powers to include financial inquiries and intelligence-led operations.

In addition to creating offences for damaging critical habitats, permit violations, the introduction of invasive species, obstruction and preparing to commit an illegal act, the bill would have increased penalties to reflect the seriousness of the crimes and their impact on endangered species; expands courts’ ability to expedite wildlife cases and recover assets, create corporate liability and support international cooperation.

If the bill is passed and signed into law, the hunting or capture of or trade in the animal species specified in the First Schedule to this Act (being animal species threatened with extinction) is prohibited (sect. 1).

As from the commencement, no person shall hunt, capture, trade in, or otherwise deal with an animal species specified in the Second Schedule to this Act (being animals which though not necessarily now threatened with extinction may become so threatened unless trade in respect of such species is controlled) except he owns a licence.

Currently, the bill had its first reading in the House of Representatives two months ago, aimed to tackle wildlife trafficking, protect endangered species, and ensure Nigerian compliance with global conservation treaties.

The bill prepared by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment and sponsored by the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Hon. Terseer Ugbor, would update and greatly improve current laws.

It would further disrupt and deter illegal wildlife trade within the country by enhancing law enforcement capabilities, and increasing investigative powers to include financial enquiries and intelligence-led operations.

Similarly, it will expand courts’ ability to expedite wildlife cases and recover assets. It also creates corporate liability, supports international cooperation and imposes stringent penalties for traffickers and poachers.

Ugbor expressed enthusiasm about the bill’s passage, stating, “Wildlife trafficking is not just a crime against nature; it is a threat to our planet’s delicate balance. This bill ensures that we act decisively to protect and preserve these irreplaceable components of our natural heritage, recognising our responsibility to future generations.

“This legislation is not just about what happens within these legislative walls; it’s about a collective effort. In the face of escalating environmental challenges, this bill is a beacon of hope. It reflects our commitment to a sustainable future, where humans and wildlife coexist harmoniously. Let us pass this legislation for the sake of our planet, for the generations to come, and for the preservation of Nigeria’s natural heritage.

“If enacted, the legislation would bring Nigeria in line with international standards and agreements. By aligning domestic legislation with global treaties and conventions, Nigeria demonstrates its commitment to being a responsible and active participant in the global effort to tackle wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species such as lions, elephants, gorillas, pangolins, chimpanzees and many more.”

The Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and Wild Africa Fund (WAF) have been actively supporting the Nigerian Government’s efforts to fight illegal wildlife trafficking, with support from the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund and the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

ANI Executive Director, Tunde Morakinyo, said: “The enactment of this landmark bill will strengthen efforts to address wildlife crime in Nigeria and its reintroduction in the House of Representatives attests to the resolve of the Nigerian government to find a lasting solution to the problem. ANI Foundation will continue to work with its partners to support its swift enactment.”

EIA Executive Director, Mary Rice, said: “Criminal justice responses against wildlife trafficking can only succeed within the framework of robust legislation, enabling investigators, prosecutors and the judiciary to deliver justice. EIA is proud to have supported the development of this Bill so far, and urges Nigerian lawmakers to see through its enactment without delay.”

WAF, Chief Executive Officer, Peter Knights said: “If passed swiftly, this state-of-the-art legislation will make Nigeria the regional leader it needs to be in fighting wildlife crime and help wildlife across the African continent.”

The concerns among stakeholders have also led to the validation of the National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations 2011 in a bid to endorse stiffer penalties for wildlife crimes in the country.

This was promoted by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) with the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

NESREA Director General, Prof Aliyu Jauro, said the regulation developed in the year 2011 had undergone a review to accommodate emergent trends in illegal wildlife trade and plug the necessary regulatory and enforcement gaps.

Jauro said: “NESREA’s enforcement efforts in recent times have not been fully maximised in the combat of illegal wildlife trade due to gaps observed in some of our legislations, especially the National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations 2011.

UNODC National Programme Officer, Mrs Folusho Adelekan, who lamented the use of Nigeria as a transit hub for wildlife trafficking, said wildlife crime is a form of organised crime and sentences should match the gravity of the crime.