Kano: The Federal Government says it will enact a legal framework for protecting endangered species in the country to address the risk of extinction. The Director of the Forestry Department, Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Ama Moses, announced this initiative during a two-day workshop on ‘Reducing Demand for Vultures in Traditional Medicine Practices’ held on Friday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the workshop was organized by the ministry in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF). Dr. Moses, represented by ministry staff member Tijjani Zakirai, mentioned that the bill has been passed by the National Assembly and is expected to be signed into law soon. This legislation aims to impose stricter penalties on those involved in the hunting of endangered species, serving as a tool to curb wildlife trade.
Dr. Moses highlighted several measures undertaken by the Federal Government to tackle this issue, including the development of a National Vulture Conservation Plan to reverse the declining vulture population. Additional efforts include nationwide awareness, education, and sensitization campaigns alongside stakeholder engagement emphasizing the ecological significance of vultures.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NCF, Dr. Joseph Onoja, represented by the Species Programme Lead, Dr. Stella Egbe, noted that the forum was an opportunity to promote vulture conservation initiatives across the nation. Alhaji Garba Boyi, NCF Northern Zonal Coordinator, emphasized the workshop’s aim to gather stakeholders to strategize on mitigating threats to endangered species.
Special Adviser to Gov. Abba Yusuf on Wildlife Conservation, Alhaji Ahmad Sawaba, expressed that the state government was honored to host an event focused on protecting endangered species nationwide. The workshop, themed ‘Reducing the Demand for Vultures in Belief-Based Use Practices,’ attracted participants from various sectors including traditional healers, herbal medicine practitioners, conservation groups, NGOs, government agencies, and the media. It featured paper presentations and discussions on conservation strategies.