FG Unveils Legal Framework to Protect Endangered Species

The federal government has announced plans to implement a legal framework aimed at safeguarding endangered species within the country to tackle the extinction threat. 

During a two-day workshop entitled “Reducing Demand for Vultures in Traditional Medicine Practices” held in Kano, Ama Moses, the director of the forestry department at the Federal Ministry of Environment, made this declaration.

The workshop was organized by the ministry in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). Tijjani Zakirai represented  Moses and shared that the National Assembly had approved the bill, which is expected to be signed into law shortly.

He noted that once enacted, the legislation would impose harsher penalties for individuals engaging in the hunting of endangered species in an effort to curb wildlife trafficking.

Moses highlighted several initiatives the federal government has launched to combat this issue, including the creation of a National Vulture Conservation Plan designed to reverse the decline in vulture populations. Additional efforts encompass nationwide awareness, educational, and sensitization campaigns, as well as involving stakeholders in discussions about the ecological significance of vultures.

The director-general of NCF, Joseph Onoja, represented by Stella Egbe, the Species Programme Lead, remarked that the forum offered a platform to enhance vulture conservation initiatives across the nation.

In his welcoming remarks, Garba Boyi, the NCF Northern zonal coordinator, expressed that the purpose of the engagement was to unite stakeholders to devise strategies aimed at alleviating threats to endangered species.

Ahmad Sawaba, Special Adviser to Governor Abba Yusuf on Wildlife Conservation, stated that the state government was privileged to host the event.

The workshop attracted participants, including traditional healers, herbal medicine practitioners, conservation organizations, NGOs, government representatives, and media personnel, featuring paper presentations and discussions focused on conservation strategies.