Reps to hold public hearing on Wildlife Conservation Bill October 24

The house of representatives is set to hold a public hearing on the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill on October 24. 

Terseer Ugbor, deputy chair of the house committee on environment, is spearheading the bill, which addresses illegal wildlife trade, species conservation, and the decline of wildlife habitats.

The bill seeks to enhance law enforcement capabilities, expedite wildlife cases, strengthen international cooperation, while introducing tougher penalties for offenders.

“Protecting our wildlife means protecting livelihoods and ensuring a balanced ecosystem,” Ugbor said. 

The hearing is a collaboration of the house committees on treaties, protocols, and environment.

The bill has attracted backing from several local and international organisations such as Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), the UK’s Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), and Wild Africa (WA), with support from global initiatives aimed at tackling wildlife trafficking.