NESREA Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthen Wildlife Conservation in Nigeria
The Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor, has emphasized the agency's unwavering dedication to enhancing wildlife conservation efforts across Nigeria. This reaffirmation comes in response to recent incidents involving the handover of pangolins in Kano and Akwa Ibom States, which Prof. Barikor described as clear evidence of increasing public awareness and support for protecting endangered species.
Growing Public Awareness and Positive Indicators
Prof. Barikor commended the actions of individuals and agencies involved in the recent pangolin handovers, noting that these events serve as positive indicators of a rising consciousness about wildlife conservation in the country. In Akwa Ibom, a local hunter, Imo Etim, demonstrated exemplary behavior by promptly notifying authorities after his traps accidentally caught two pangolins instead of grass-cutters. Although one pangolin unfortunately died, Etim handed over both animals to NESREA officials, led by State Coordinator Mfon Nkanang, who subsequently transferred them to the National Park Service.
"These are positive indicators of awareness on wildlife conservation," Prof. Barikor stated, highlighting that the hunter's decision to approach the right authorities rather than seek buyers represents a significant victory for conservation efforts in Nigeria.
Effective Inter-Agency Collaboration in Kano
The successful operation in Kano was attributed to effective inter-agency collaboration, which Prof. Barikor praised as a crucial factor in tackling wildlife trafficking. He emphasized that such partnerships between security agencies and environmental bodies provide great hope for the future of wildlife protection in Nigeria, enabling more coordinated and efficient responses to illegal activities.
Addressing Online Wildlife Trafficking
Prof. Barikor also addressed the growing issue of wildlife trafficking conducted through online platforms, warning traffickers that their activities are criminal offenses regardless of the medium used. He cited the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental (Control of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations 2025 as legal frameworks prohibiting such actions, and reaffirmed NESREA's commitment to taking decisive action against violators.
"We know some of these traffickers operate online through various social media platforms. What they must know is trafficking in wildlife is a criminal offence, whether carried out online or offline," he asserted.
Call for Continued Public Support
In conclusion, Prof. Barikor urged the public to continue supporting conservation efforts by reporting wildlife crimes to relevant authorities. He reaffirmed NESREA's commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting endangered species, stressing that collective action is essential for safeguarding Nigeria's biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for its wildlife.
