Nigeria and Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) , an international non-governmental organisation founded based in The Hague, the Netherlands signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) 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 the Director- General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA),Prof. Innocent Barikor and Chief of Investigations at the WJC, Stephen Carmody, who was represented by Abim Isafiade, Regional Manager for West and Central Africa.
Speaking, 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, 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.
On her part, Executive Director of the WJC, Olivia Swaak-Goldman, said the collaboration with NESREA would bring in fresh vigour into 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.
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