Nigeria and the Wildlife Justice Commission, an international non-governmental organisation founded in The Hague, the Netherlands, signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen wildlife protection in the country.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation to combat transnational organised criminal networks trafficking in wildlife, fish, and timber.

The agreement was signed by Innocent Barikor, director-general of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, and Stephen Carmody, chief of investigations at the WJC.

Mr Barikor said the MoU would strengthen intelligence sharing, enhance forensic and legal collaboration, and support future programmes under the Nigerian Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force.

“This MoU aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and demonstrates our government’s determination to protect biodiversity and conserve threatened species.

“This agreement also aimed to ensure sustainable managed wildlife resources for future generations. NESREA is committed to working hand-in-hand with the WJC to ensure that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven or transit hub for wildlife traffickers. Together, we will make it increasingly difficult for those who profit from the destruction of our natural heritage,” he said.

The executive director of the WJC, Olivia Swaak-Goldman, stated that the collaboration with NESREA would bring fresh vigor to wildlife enforcement activities in the country.

 “By expanding our partnerships to include NESREA and the Nigerian Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force, we can sustain and deepen this transformation — ensuring that Nigeria continues to set the benchmark for intelligence-led enforcement,” she said.

The MoU reflects a shared commitment by NESREA and the WJC to disrupt wildlife crime, dismantle transnational criminal networks, and ensure that organised crime is no longer driving species to extinction.

(NAN)