FG Says Legal Frameworks to Safeguard Country’s Biodiversity Being Reviewed

By: Michael Mike

The federal government has said it is currently reviewing the nation’s legal frameworks, among other steps to safeguard the country’s biodiversity and curb the illegal activities that is presently threatening Nigeria’s wildlife and natural heritage.

Speaking at the launch of the international consortium on combating wildlife toolkit assessment report for Nigeria, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abass said the Nigeria stand at a critical juncture in our nation’s efforts to safeguard it’s rich biodiversity and to curb the illegal activities that threaten our wildlife and natural heritage.

He said: “Nigeria is a nation blessed with an abundance of natural endemic iconic natural resources such as gorilla, elephant, pangolin, ostrich, lion, flora, including some of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. However, these blessings come with immense responsibility. Over the past few decades, we have witnessed an alarming increase in wildlife crime, including poaching, illegal logging, and trafficking of endangered species. These crimes only threaten our environment but also undermine the rule of law, fuel corruption, and deprive communities of their livelihoods, undermine public health and natural security.”

The Minister, who was represented by the Director Planning, Research and Statistics in the Ministry, Stanley Jonah, noted that the ICCWC toolkit assessment report was a comprehensive and timely document that provides us with a clear-eyed view of the challenges we face, as well as the opportunities for strengthening our efforts to combat wildlife crime.

He disclosed that one of the key findings of the report highlights the need for enhanced coordination among national agencies, improved law enforcement capacity, and stronger legal frameworks in response.

Lawal said: “in response, the Federal Government of Nigerians taken several proactive steps. We have strengthened the capacity of our law enforcement agencies, currently reviewing our legal frameworks, signed the Cooperation Agreement Framework between Nigeria and Cameroon on Transboundary Ecosystems Conservation and Sustainable Management of Wildlife and Forest Resources and increased public awareness on the importance of wildlife conservation.

The Minister while acknowledging that wildlife crime was complex for it is transnational issues that requires a multi-faceted and collaborative approach, noted that the recommendations in the ICCWC toolkit assessment report provide us with a valuable guide as we work to improve our efforts

He said: “As we launch this important report today, I urge all stakeholders, government agencies, international partners, civil society organisations, and the private sector to come together and renew our collective commitment to combating wildlife crime,” adding that: “Let us remember that the protection of our wildlife is not just an environmental issue, it is a matter of national security, economic prosperity, and global responsibility.”

On his part, the Officer-in-Charge
UNODC Country Office, Nigeria, Danilo Campisi said: “The World Wildlife Crime Report 2024 reminds us that the harms resulting from wildlife crime include a range of interlinked negative environmental, social, economic, and governance impacts, which are evident in the ongoing exploitation of Nigeria’s rich biodiversity.
 
Campisi, while commending the Nigeria Customs Service for its efforts which has resulted in increased seizures at land, sea, and airport border points, two-thirds of all seizures involving Nigeria were reported by authorities of other countries, said this suggests that interception capabilities still need to be strengthened.
 
He added that: “Enhanced information exchange and cooperation with relevant authorities in countries of origin, transit, and destination offer opportunities for intelligence-led operations and parallel or joint investigations aimed at detecting and dismantling trafficking networks.
 
“In this context, it is critical to understand what further steps are required to tackle the illegal trade in wildlife and forest products.
 
“The ICCWC Analytical Toolkit for Nigeria, conducted by UNODC in cooperation with all relevant Nigerian authorities under the overall lead of the Federal Ministry of Environment, examines the effectiveness of the legal and regulatory environment, as well as the institutional capacities of specialized law enforcement, prosecution, and the judiciary to prevent, detect, investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate wildlife and forest crimes. This assessment provides important inputs for the effective implementation of the National Strategy to Combat Wildlife and Forest Crime in Nigeria 2022-2026, which was first launched in 2022.”
 
He explained that: “The ICCWC toolkit report provides us with new insights and recommendations aimed to strengthen the legal and institutional response to wildlife and forest crime in Nigeria and I urge all national stakeholders to work together to advance the implementation of these recommendations.”

FG Says Legal Frameworks to Safeguard Country’s Biodiversity Being Reviewed

Nigerian Gov’t May Have Mortgaging Future Of Nigerians With Foreign Loan- Onyekpere

By: Michael Mike

An Abuja Civil Rights Lawyer, Eze Onyekpere has raised the alarm of the present administration’s continued disposition to foreign loans, decrying that the future generations of Nigerians may have been mortgaged by the government.

Onyekpere painted the gloom picture in Abuja on Thursday at a “ Public Discourse on Ending Poverty and Inequality in Nigeria”, an event organized by ActionAid Nigeria.

Onyekpere noted that a lot of policies the government is implementing are anti-people and has made Nigerians poorer, with biting hardship.

According to him, the Nigerian government has continued to implement a tax system and regime that has further impoverished the poor masses.

He called on the government to introduce a tax system where the rich will pay more, and stop putting the poor at disadvantage.

Earlier in his remarks, the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu called on the government to evolve a more sustainable approach towards addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable people in the country.

Mamedu disclosed that in Maiduguri, residents, especially women and Children have been displaced by the recent devastating
flood, which has further impoverished the poor masses working for survival.

He said, “ every action we take should focus on the people who have been affected by this disaster. We must conduct a strategic analysis of their immediate needs and ensure that the interventions are aligned with their realities. This is not just about providing relief; it’s about restoring their dignity and ensuring they are not further traumatized by the processes that are meant to help them.In this spirit, our approach must be empathetic.

“ There must be Accountability at every stage so that the aid reaches those who need it the most, and build the trust of the people.We need coordinated actions to not only respond to this immediate emergency but also to build resilient systems for the future. The warning signs were there; the forecasts were clear. Yet, our preparation was not enough. We cannot afford to repeat this mistake.

“ Following devastating floods in 2022, The Federal Government unfolded a National strategic Plan of Action, through a comprehensive report produced by the presidential committee on floods, inaugurated, the report comprises both mitigating and Adaptation plan”.

Nigerian Gov’t May Have Mortgaging Future Of Nigerians With Foreign Loan- Onyekpere

VP SHETTIMA AT PEBEC REGULATORS’ FORUM

By: Our Reporter

Regulatory Agencies Must Eliminate Overlaps, Align With President Tinubu’s Agenda

Says FG will streamline regulatory systems to facilitate ease of doing business

Vice President Kashim Shettima has charged regulatory agencies to eliminate overlaps and align their actions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda for economic growth and improved ease of doing business in Nigeria.

The Vice President said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to streamlining the regulatory environment in Nigeria.

This, the Vice President said, is crucial in driving the coordination, transparency and global competitiveness required for the nation’s economic transformation.

Senator Shettima stated this on Thursday during the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) Regulators’ Forum to build an effective Regulatory Impact Framework (RIA) for Nigeria held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to him, the administration’s journey towards a “regulatory system built on trust, consistency, and collaboration is ongoing, and it is a journey that requires” all and sundry to remain committed.”

The Vice President implored the government regulators to be “willing to reinvent processes and innovate, guiding Nigeria towards a future where we are not economically disadvantaged but positioned to thrive.

“Our duty to the private sector is clear: to listen, process their concerns, and develop solutions that drive growth. In recent months, there have been pockets of complaints regarding certain directives from our regulatory agencies. I have personally intervened on several occasions to ensure we are not hampered by conflict, but instead move forward with unity and purpose,” he added.

Underscoring the importance of streamlining the regulatory system, the VP said, “The success of this forum today does not solely depend on our ability to collaborate, share knowledge, and align our regulatory actions with the broader national agenda.

“It also depends on our capacity to recognise and address criticisms and shortcomings, while striving for a nation that does not feel like a battlefield for businesses, but a place where investors can thrive without fear of unnecessary hurdles.”

VP Shettima charged the regulators to heed President Tinubu’s call to action, noting that the President envisions a country where regulatory excellence drives economic growth, attracts investment, and ultimately improves the quality of life for all citizens.

He continued: “Time and again, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reassured the business community of his commitment to easing any bottlenecks they may encounter, and each regulator here must adopt the same mindset in their dealings with private enterprises.

“The work of PEBEC, particularly through initiatives like the Regulatory Reform Accelerator, has been pivotal in reducing the obstacles faced by businesses.

“Today’s forum offers an unparalleled opportunity to address these issues head-on and chart a new course towards regulatory cohesion. This is not merely an event – it is a defining moment for us to reflect on the duties we owe our nation.”

On the task ahead, Senator Shettima urged participants at the meeting to recognise the gravity of their role as regulators.

His words: “Your actions do not stop at your desks; they have ripple effects that can shape or disrupt policies, influence investment decisions, and, most critically, impact the daily lives of Nigerians who rely on a stable and efficient economy.

“As such, this forum provides an invaluable opportunity to take ownership of the crucial reforms needed to eliminate regulatory overlaps, misalignments, and contradictions that often cause unnecessary delays and burdens on businesses.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hadejia outlined PEBEC’s 2024 outlook highlighting Nigeria’s business and investment climate reforms through its five strategic pillars, comprising regulatory, judicial and legislative reforms, among others.

He said deliberations and actions at the forum would be aligned with national economic goals that can make Nigeria a more attractive destination for business and investment.

“Through your participation and active contributions, this Forum will play a pivotal role in transforming Nigeria’s regulatory landscape, ensuring that it enhances our global business competitiveness,” Senator Hadejia noted.

Also, Special Adviser to the President on Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, noted that regulators must act as enablers, evolving to support and nurture the very ecosystem they oversee.

“Regulators should be assessed based on the health of the businesses under them. If the businesses are dying, the regulator should be concerned,” she said.

She quoted David Cameron, the former Prime Minister of the UK, who stated in the 2015 Better Regulation Framework Manual: “We need to tackle regulation with vigour to free businesses to compete and create jobs, and give people greater freedom. I want us to be the first Government in modern history to leave office having reduced the overall burden of regulation rather than increasing it.”

Heads of federal government’s regulatory agencies present at the PEBEC meeting included Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Press Council (NPC), Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Others are National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST).
Ends