Minister worried over increase rate on wildlife species in Nigeria 

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has express worry over the increased rate of wildlife crimes.

The emphasis is on poaching and illegal logging of endangered species in Nigeria.

He made this known during the launch of the Wildlife and Forest Crimes Analytic Toolkits Report for Nigeria,  was held in Abuja.

Lawal noted that the crimes not only threaten environment, but also undermines the rules of law, fuel corruption, public health and national security, adding that the report was to fight illegal acts as a country.

“We will implement the recommendations in partnership with international and local stakeholders.

Responding, the representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes, (UNODC), Danilo Campisi, said Nigeria is the major transit route for illegal wildlife trafficking in the West African sub – region.

He added that over the years there has been increasing activities between Benin Republic and Nigeria, stressing that this illegal wildlife trade takes place at the sea ports, airport and they have also swung into action, aimed at Strengthening court proceedings.