The Wild Africa Fund has called on the Nigerian government and conservation organizations to collaborate in the fight against forest and wildlife crime to safeguard the country’s biodiversity. This appeal was made in a statement by Kelechukwu Iruoma, the Nigerian representative of the wildlife conservation group, in recognition of World Wildlife Day. This annual event is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of wildlife within our ecosystem. Wild Africa Fund, an Africa-focused non-profit organization committed to wildlife advocacy, acknowledges that achieving its conservation goals in Nigeria requires strong partnerships.
This year’s World Wildlife Day theme, “Partnerships for Wildlife,” underscores the vital role that collaboration plays in protecting and preserving wildlife for biodiversity conservation. The organization emphasizes that safeguarding the diverse species and their habitats within the Nigerian ecosystem is essential not only for their survival but also for the health and well-being of the ecosystem and the livelihoods of the communities that depend on these resources. Nigeria is home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife species, including elephants, lions, and gorillas. However, illegal activities such as poaching, deforestation, and the illegal wildlife trade have placed these animals at risk, threatening their existence. Furthermore, Nigeria has become a transit hub for the illegal trade in ivory and pangolin scales.
On the occasion of World Wildlife Day, Peter Knights, the founder of Wild Africa Fund, stated, “By partnering with the government, international and local NGOs, media, and local communities, we can achieve greater impact and ensure a brighter future for wildlife in Africa and beyond.” He emphasized that collaboration is the best hope for protecting Nigeria’s natural resources for future generations. In line with its commitment to wildlife conservation in Nigeria, the Wild Africa Fund collaborates with organizations such as the Environmental Investigation Agency and the Africa Nature Investors Foundation. This effort is supported by the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund and the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, which aim to assist the Nigerian government in updating its wildlife laws and combating illegal wildlife trade.
WAF also reported progress in its collaborative efforts, noting that the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill passed its first reading in the House of Representatives in February 2023. This milestone reflects the commitment of both organizations and the government to wildlife conservation. Tunde Morakinyo, Executive Director of Africa Nature Investors Foundation, commented on the bill, stating, “This new legislation will be critical to enabling Nigeria to decisively tackle the illegal trade in wildlife and will demonstrate to the world that the country can be a leader on the African continent for an issue that affects all Nigerians and indeed all of us as human beings.”
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