By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja

 Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has said Nigeria is committed to regulating wildlife trade, conserving migratory species, and protecting ecosystems.

Abbas said this during a public hearing on the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Treatise, Protocols and Agreements and Committee on Environment at the National Assembly Complex on Thursday.

He said the country aims to achieve this through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) , the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

The Speaker, who was represented by the Deputy Minority Leader, Hon Ali Isa said the hearing underscores the collective commitment to safeguarding the rich biodiversity that Nigeria is blessed with, and to ensure the future of our precious flora and fauna.

He said Nigeria boasts a remarkable array of wildlife, from the majestic African elephant, Calabar Gorilla, the vibrant Nigerian grey parrot and the magnificent West African manatee.

These creatures, he said, are not just captivating inhabitants of our forests, savannahs, and waterways, they are integral to the delicate balance of our environment.

Their presence plays a vital role in maintaining ecological stability, supporting healthy ecosystems, and providing vital resources for our communities.

The rate at which species across Nigeria are facing extinction is a stark reminder of the urgent need for a decisive legislative action to halt this negative trend.

His words, “We have become the world’s most significant transit point for illegal ivory and pangolin scales smuggled from Africa to Asia. Between 2016 and 2019, more than half of pangolin scales seized globally came from Nigeria. In January 2019, Hong Kong Customs seized $8 million worth of elephant tusks and pangolin scales from a shipping container from Nigeria.

“Conservationists estimate that Nigeria has less than 500 elephants, 100 Cross River gorillas and about 50 lions left. Pangolins are endangered or on the brink of extinction. At the same time, other species are in decline, including crocodiles and antelope species such as cane rats and duikers, which are widely available in ‘bush meat’ markets across the country. This decline is due to habitat loss, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and Climate change which adds another layer of complexity to the challenges faced by these already vulnerable species.”

The Speaker said the loss of biodiversity weakens the ecosystem resilience, making it more susceptible to environmental disturbances.

The disruption of ecological balance can lead to the decline of other species, impacting food security and potentially triggering unforeseen consequences for human health, he said.

Abbas said while taking actions to protect the environment, it opens up great opportunities of turning our wildlife and environment into economic use.

“Ecotourism, which relies on healthy ecosystems and vibrant wildlife populations, can be a powerful driver of economic growth. Our investment in this sector will, in turn, create jobs, generate revenue, and promote sustainable development that will benefit local communities and the country at large. This will help diversify our national economy and ease the pressure on the oil sector.

“This Bill, therefore, is not merely a legislative exercise; it is a critical step towards fulfilling our moral obligation to protect the environment and preserve the legacy of these invaluable species for future generations.

“It seeks to establish a robust legal framework that will address the multifaceted challenges threatening our endangered animals and plants such as illegal wildlife trade by imposing stringent penalties on those involved in the trafficking of endangered species, promote sustainable wildlife management through the establishment of conservation areas and the implementation of community-based conservation initiatives, amongst others,” he said.

House of Representatives Committee on Treatise, Protocols, Hon Rabiu Yusuf, said the Bill represents a critical step in the collective efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s biodiversity, to protect endangered species, and ensure the sustainable management of precious natural resources.

He said it also serves to fulfill Nigeria’s international commitments.

Nigeria is blessed with a rich and diverse array of wildlife and ecosystems which are increasingly under threat.

“The stark reality is that we are witnessing an alarming decline in biodiversity, driven by habitat destruction, deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and climate change. Our natural resources, once abundant, are now vulnerable to over-exploitation and mismanagement, placing several species on the brink of extinction.

“As we stand at this critical juncture, the need for a strong legislative framework to conserve and manage our wildlife has never been more pressing. The Bill before you today offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges we face and aligns our national policies with international best practices,” he said.

He said the bill is structured to address wildlife protection, sustainable use of natural resources, wildlife reserves and protected areas, enforcement and compliance, as well as public awareness and education.

He said while the Bill sets the stage for meaningful legislative action, it is only part of the solution.

The lawmaker said true success will require the collaboration of germane stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, local communities, and the private sector.

He added that it will also require strong regional and international cooperation, particularly in combating cross-border wildlife crime.

The Ministry of Environment said there is the need to conduct an in-depth species inventory for the proper categorization of all species into schedules based on scientific data.

Represented the Director of Forestry, Dr Moses Ama, at the hearing, it posited that Bill be stepped down to allow for a comprehensive, evidence based assessment of the nation’s wildlife population and conservation status to be conducted by the Ministry.

Various stakeholders also urged stiffer penalties for defaulters.