United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has urged Nigeria to classify wildlife trafficking and the illegal exploitation of biodiversity as a major national security threat, warning that the crime has evolved into a sophisticated transnational network.
The UNODC Country Representative, Cheikh Touré, issued the warning in Abuja during activities marking World Wildlife Day. He noted that wildlife crime is no longer a purely environmental concern but a complex organised criminal enterprise with far-reaching implications.
According to Touré, the illegal trade in wildlife and plant species continues to degrade ecosystems, fuel illicit financial flows, and undermine the economic potential of biodiversity-rich countries like Nigeria.
He stressed that the crime poses a direct threat to the rule of law while depriving local communities of vital natural resources that support livelihoods and sustainable development.
Touré further highlighted growing pressures on Nigeria’s biodiversity, including the exploitation of medicinal and aromatic plants used in traditional healthcare, alongside threats from habitat destruction, climate change, and unsustainable harvesting practices.
The UNODC official, however, acknowledged Nigeria’s recent legislative progress, particularly the passage of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening biodiversity governance.
He cautioned that legislation alone would be insufficient without robust enforcement mechanisms, enhanced institutional capacity, and sustained public awareness.
Touré emphasised that tackling wildlife crime requires coordinated action among government agencies, civil society organisations, international partners, and local communities.
He also highlighted UNODC’s youth-focused initiative, the #BeWildForNature campaign launched in 2024, which has engaged young Nigerians in conservation advocacy through mentorship programmes, digital mobilisation, and community outreach.
In his remarks, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, said biodiversity protection is closely linked to human health, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.
Represented by the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, Fall noted that medicinal plants remain a primary source of healthcare for millions and are deeply embedded in traditional knowledge systems and local economies.
He warned that biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and climate change are increasingly threatening these critical natural assets, making conservation an urgent development priority. He added that protecting biodiversity contributes directly to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health, climate action, and environmental protection.
Also speaking, Onah Bisong of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development said the Federal Government recognises the strategic role of young people in advancing environmental sustainability.
Bisong stressed the need to empower Nigerian youths to drive biodiversity protection through innovation, advocacy, and community engagement, noting that such efforts could also generate green jobs and support economic growth.
He added that young Nigerians are not only beneficiaries of the country’s natural resources but key stakeholders in ensuring their preservation for future generations.
