2.5 TONNES CONFISCATED ELEPHANT TUSKS DESTROYED, AS SCULPTURE UNVEIL

2.5 TONNES CONFISCATED ELEPHANT TUSKS DESTROYED, AS SCULPTURE UNVEIL

...the country as a transit route took a giant step by publicly destroying 2.5 tonnes of confiscated elephant tusks and Ivory -  Salako

Emmanuel Oduara 

In the determination to protect the dwindling elephant population, discourage illegal wildlife trade and deter illicit traffickers from using the country as a transit route took a giant step by publicly destroying 2.5 tonnes of confiscated elephant tusks and ivory.

 The crushing of the stockpile which were under the custody of the Nigeria Environmental Standards Regulation and Enforcement Agency (NESREA) became the first of its kind in the country and of the few such exercise in the world. 

I did promised on 9th  Jan 2024 that the powder obtained from the pulverisation exercise will be used to build a monument in memory of hundred of elephants killed illegally and as a symbol of our unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation. 

Today, in fulfilment of that promise, it is a thing of joy for me to be part of the event for the unveiling of an elephant statue built from the crushed tusks and ivory. 

"The Minister of State for Environment Dr Iziaq Salako, made this revelation  at the “public unveiling of an elephant sculpture constructed from the pulverized Wildlife stockpile” held in Abuja, Nigeria.

"He said that the government's  enforcement of the laws has upscale the deployment of technology in fighting wildlife criminals,"

“Why  warning that those engaged in the crime of illegal wildlife trade are very tenacious and do not give up easily. 

“Th demand for wild animals’ parts and derivatives persists with a surge in black markets for sale of illegally acquired wildlife parts with the impact of such demand aggravated by the globalization of the world economy. he noted” 

He however urged Nigerians to support the government in the fight against illegal wild life trafficking by providing intelligence, discouraging animal poaching, and refusing to use products that are not ethically sourced, including from online sources.

“We need wildlife for our survival, well being and prosperity as they maintain ecological balance, provide critical ecosystem systems, maintain the food chain, and they keep us connected to nature,” he stated.

"Commending the stakeholders especially  the Nigeria Custom Service, the millitary, Nigeria Police, National Park Service, ICPC, Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit and other relevant agencies.

“l wish to use this opportunity to commend the exemplary enforcement action of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS which resulted in a recent seizure of Pangolin scales and its derivatives worth over 3 billion Naira along Kebbi State axis,” he said.

The Minister, however called for a stronger collaboration through information sharing and chain of custody when interception/seizure of wildlife items is made by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS.

“NESREA being the agency of the federal government of the Nigeria with the mandate to enforce the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the CITES designated authority in the country.  

“As a result of the single window trade system of the federal government, environmental officers are no longer operating in our ports and borders.

“NESRESA, therefore, relies on the NCS to facillitate the enforcement of CITES and other international environmental agreements bordering on wildlife.” the Minister said.

Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, in his speech said “This Elephant sculpture symbolizes Nigeria’s commitment to zero tolerance to Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) at all levels, and a proof to CITES communities that Nigeria has not relented in carrying out its obligations to the international environmental conventions and promotion of eco-tourism.”

NESREA, is a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Environment charged with the mandate to enforce all environmental laws, policies, guidelines, standards and regulations as well as to enforce compliance with the provisions of multilateral environmental Agreements, Protocols, Conventions and Treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.

The elephant statue was built from the crushed tusks and ivory.

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