Nigeria Combats Wildlife Trafficking with UNODC and Digital Solutions

Nigeria is taking significant strides in the fight against wildlife trafficking, with the help of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Consortium for Combating Wildlife and Forest Crime Analytic Toolkit.

The country has recently commemorated the 2024 World Wildlife Day to highlight the importance of digital solutions in conservation efforts.

A key finding from the UNODC’s Organized Crime Threat Assessment for Nigeria published in 2023 revealed that Nigeria is a major transit hub and consolidation point for illegal trade in wildlife and forest products, including pangolin, ivory, and rosewood.

These products are sourced both from Nigeria and other countries in the region.

The UNODC’s World Wildlife Seizures Database shows that there have been over 1,000 recorded incidents between 2011 and 2020 involving Nigeria as a source, transit, or destination country for illegal wildlife trade.

In some cases, Nigerian nationals have been involved in these offenses.

Armed groups have also been found to engage in illegal harvesting and trafficking of rosewood, with tragic consequences for park rangers.

However, the International Consortium for Combating Wildlife and Forest Crime Analytic Toolkit provides new insights and technical recommendations aimed at strengthening the legal and institutional response to wildlife and forest crime.

During the World Wildlife Day celebration in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, stressed the importance of protecting the digital ecosystem globally and safeguarding data integrity on wildlife species.

He emphasized the need to leverage technological advancements to enhance conservation efforts and forge deeper connections between humanity and the natural ecosystem.

The minister called for collective action to address the challenges facing the planet’s ecosystems, including combating illegal wildlife trade, mitigating habitat loss, and tackling the impacts of climate change.

He also praised the UNODC and other development partners for their support in the fight against wildlife trafficking.

By embracing digital solutions and collaborating with international organizations, Nigeria is working to protect its rich biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for its citizens.