Nigeria, WJC sign MoU to boost wildlife protection

Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), an international NGO based in The Hague, to strengthen wildlife protection and curb transnational trafficking in wildlife, fish, and timber.

The agreement, 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), provides for intelligence-sharing, forensic collaboration, and stronger enforcement under the Nigerian Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force.

Prof. Barikor said the deal aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under CITES and reinforces government efforts to protect biodiversity, conserve endangered species, and block the country from being used as a hub for wildlife traffickers.

WJC Executive Director, Olivia Swaak-Goldman, noted the partnership will inject new energy into enforcement, ensuring Nigeria continues to set a benchmark in intelligence-led wildlife crime prevention.

The MoU underscores both parties’ shared commitment to dismantle transnational criminal networks, disrupt wildlife crime, and safeguard species from extinction.