Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), an international NGO headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, to strengthen wildlife protection and curb illegal trafficking.
The MoU provides a framework for cooperation to combat transnational criminal networks engaged in trafficking wildlife, fish, and timber.
The agreement was signed by the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor, and WJC’s Chief of Investigations, Stephen Carmody, represented by Abim Isafiade, Regional Manager for West and Central Africa.
Barikor said the partnership would enhance intelligence-sharing, forensic and legal collaboration, and support future initiatives under the Nigerian Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force.
“This MoU aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and demonstrates our government’s determination to protect biodiversity and conserve threatened species,” he stated.
He added that NESREA is committed to ensuring Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven or transit hub for traffickers. “Together, we will make it increasingly difficult for those who profit from the destruction of our natural heritage.”
On her part, WJC Executive Director, Olivia Swaak-Goldman, said the collaboration would inject new energy into wildlife enforcement in Nigeria.
“By expanding our partnerships to include NESREA and the Nigerian Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force, we can sustain and deepen this transformation — ensuring that Nigeria continues to set the benchmark for intelligence-led enforcement,” she said.
The MoU underscores a joint commitment by NESREA and WJC to disrupt wildlife crime, dismantle criminal networks, and prevent species extinction driven by organised crime.
