Reps consider bill seeking to protect endangered species

A bill seeking to protect endangered species has scaled second reading in the house of representatives.

Sponsored by Terseer Ugbor, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member from Benue, the ‘Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill’ passed through a second reading during plenary on Thursday.

An endangered specie is an animal or plant at risk of extinction.

Leading the debate on the bill, Ugbor said the objective of the proposed legislation is to tackle illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss and to protect the nation’s unique wildlife populations.

According to the lawmaker, who is the deputy chair of the house committee on environment, the bill seeks to improve the capabilities of law enforcement agencies, give investigators more powers to look into financial matters and conduct operations guided by intelligence, and enable judges to speed up wildlife cases and recover assets.

The legislator said the bill “aligns” with international treaties, encourages global cooperation and introduces strict penalties for poachers and traffickers.

“Today, we take a bold stand against all illegal activities targeting our wildlife and forests,” Ugbor said.

“By protecting our wildlife, we protect our own future. This bill signifies our collective commitment to turn the tide against the use of our borders to traffic illegal wildlife products such as pangolin scales and elephant ivory.”

Lawmakers unanimously voted in support of the bill when it was put to a voice vote by Ben Kalu, the deputy speaker who presided over plenary.

The bill was then referred to the committee on environment for further legislative action.

‘NIGERIA DETERMINED TO PROTECT WILDLIFE’

A coalition of environmentalists has commended lawmakers for voting in support of the bill.

The coalition, which includes Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), and the Wild Africa Fund (WAF), in a joint statement said there is an urgent need for a law to preserve endangered species in the country.

Tunde Morakinyo, ANI executive director, said the second reading of the bill in the lower legislative chamber is “further testament to the determination of the Nigerian people through their elected representatives to stop the illegal wildlife trade in the country”.

“ANI Foundation salutes the House of Representatives and Hon. Terseer Ugbor for exceptional leadership in this process which will make Nigeria emerge as a global leader in the fight to end wildlife trafficking in Africa,” the statement reads.

Mary Rice, executive director of EIA UK, said “effective enforcement without robust laws is virtually impossible”.

“EIA commends Nigeria for recognising the urgency to enact this important legislation to support its regional and international obligations to protect Africa’s wildlife,” Rice said.

Peter Knights, WAF CEO, said the bill when passed into law, will “greatly enhance Nigeria’s ability to fight wildlife crime and we hope it can be swiftly enacted”.