FG destroys elephant ivory products worth $9.9 billion
Cornelius Essen, The Guardian Nigeria
January 9, 2024
In an attempt to tackle the illegal ivory trade, the Federal Government has
destroyed elephant ivory products, weighing approximately 2,436.15
kilogrammes valued at $9.9 billion in the illegal market.
Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Ishaq Salako stated this at the
crushing site in Abuja, saying Nigeria has successfully organised its
first-ever ivory crush, destroying significant stockpiles of confiscated
elephant tusks.
According to Salako, the country is Africa’s major transit hub for ivory
export, adding, with this the government has sent strong signals to combat
the illegal ivory trade and protect its dwindling elephant population.
He said the exercise will mark a significant milestone in the country’s
efforts to curb the illegal ivory trade and conserve a hundred elephants,
commending the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement
Agency (NESREA) in collaboration with the Elephant Protection Initiative
Foundation for their initiatives.
“We are proud to stand at the forefront of the fight against the illegal
ivory trade. Today’s ivory crush is a symbol of Nigeria’s unwavering
commitment to wildlife conservation and the protection of our natural
heritage,” he added.
The Minister further explained, “By destroying these confiscated ivory
stockpiles, we send a strong message that wildlife trafficking will not be
tolerated and. We are taking a firm stance, and we call on the global
community to join hands in eradicating this illicit trade.”
Also speaking, Director General of NESREA, Prof. Aliyu Jauro emphasised
,”The destruction of the confiscated ivory is a tangible step towards
stamping out wildlife trafficking.
“We stand united against the illegal ivory trade, and our actions today are
not only crucial in preserving the majestic elephants for future
generations. Nigeria will do whatever it takes to protect elephants and
other endangered wildlife,” Jauro added.
Contributing, Peter Knights of Wild Africa Fund praised Nigeria for
stepping up its game in fighting illegal wildlife trade with more seizures
and prosecutions and greater public awareness,saying, next logical step is
to update its legislation.
https://guardian.ng/news/fg-destroys-elephant-ivory-products-worth-9-9-billion/