Nigeria and Wildlife Justice Commission, WJC, an international non-governmental organisation based in The Hague, The Netherlands, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, to strengthen wildlife protection in the country.
The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation to combat transnational organised criminal networks trafficking in wildlife, fish and timber.
The agreement was signed by the Director- General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, Professor Innocent Barikor and Chief of Investigations at WJC, Stephen Carmody, who was represented by the Regional Manager for West and Central Africa, Abim Isafiade.
Barikor said the MoU would strengthen intelligence-sharing, enhance forensic and legal collaboration, and support future programmes under the Nigerian Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force.
“This MoU aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, CITES, and demonstrates our government’s determination to protect biodiversity and conserve threatened species.
”This agreement is aimed at ensuring sustainable managed wildlife resources for future generations.
“NESREA is committed to working hand-in-hand with WJC to ensure that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven or transit hub for wildlife traffickers.
”Together, we will make it increasingly difficult for those who profit from the destruction of our natural heritage,” he said.
On her part, the Executive Director of WJC, Olivia Swaak-Goldman, said the collaboration with NESREA would bring in fresh vigour into wildlife enforcement activities in the country.
“By expanding our partnership to include NESREA and the Nigerian Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force, we can sustain and deepen this transformation — ensuring that Nigeria continues to set the benchmark for intelligence-led enforcement,” she said.
The MoU reflects a shared commitment by NESREA and WJC to disrupt wildlife crime, dismantle transnational criminal networks and ensure that organised crime is no longer driving species to extinction. NAN
