Nigeria signs wildlife, forest protection pact with Cameroon

The government of Cameroon has signed an agreement with Nigeria to implement policies and programmes on forest management and wildlife preservation. 

In January 2022, Sharon Ikeazor, former minister of state for environment, announced Nigeria’s intention to sign a pact with Cameroon on ecosystem conservation and sustainable management of forestry and wildlife resources.

According to the minister, while Nigeria’s biodiversity plays a crucial role in its economy, environmental challenges like invasive alien species and climate change pose an enormous threat. 

During the official signing of the agreement on Friday, Jules Ndongo, Cameroon’s minister of forestry and wildlife, said the pact became necessary due to the illegal exportation of wildlife across the borders of both nations. 

Ndongo reiterated Cameroon’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria to ensure effective implementation of policy framework for sustainable management of ecosystems.

He said due to the historical and fraternal ties between the two countries, there is a need to enhance shared prosperity.

“This is most common among our people living at the transboundary regions between the two countries,” Ndongo said.

“Some of their transaction involves the exportation and marketing of timber, other forest products and bush meats.

“It should be underscored that we cannot ascertain all these activities are carried out legally. The exportation of forestry resources and cross-border poaching are serious offences.

“The context of cooperation and cross-border management of our forestry and wildlife resources through this agreement is aimed at implementing cross-border policies and programmes among other things.

“The government of Cameroon will do anything possible at its level to work closely with Nigeria toward implementing the agreement.”

On his part, Balarabe Lawal, Nigeria’s minister of environment, assured Ndongo and the Cameroonian delegation of the federal government’s determination to achieve targets through the partnership.

Lawal appreciated Germany, US, United Nations (UN), European Union (EU) for their support in preservation of forestry and wildlife resources in Nigeria.

“Nigeria and Cameroon do not just share common borders, but also have shared vision on the best approach towards protection of the resources between the two countries,” Lawal said.

“This is for the overall wellbeing of our people, irrespective of the social, economic, environmental and cultural development of the two countries.”