Considers stiffer sanctions against poachers, wildlife traffickers
House of Representatives, yesterday, urged the Presidency to suspend the introduction of new Genetically Modified (GM) crops in the country until a detailed investigation is conducted.
The House is also considering stiffer penalties against those who indulge in trafficking and destruction of wildlife in the country.It urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to cause the already introduced GM foods and crops in Nigeria to be properly labelled to protect consumers.
The resolution of the House on GM food followed the adoption of a motion moved by Muktar Shagaya (Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Kwara State). GM crops are genetically engineered, having undergone gene alteration and modification.
Presenting his motion, Shagaya said the recent introduction of GM crops in the country raised serious questions about safety, regulatory oversight and the potential impact on the country’s biosafety and ecosystem. He said GM foods could be created to contain almost anything, including genes that have higher levels of toxicity and negative long-term effects on human health.
The House consequently mandated its Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the introduction of GM crops in the country by NBMA.
The proposed legislation on wildlife was aimed at realising the ‘Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill’, which passed the second reading stage on the floor of the House with the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, presiding.
The bill addresses wildlife trafficking, habit of destruction and proposes strict penalties for offenders. Sponsored by the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Terseer Ugbor, the bill seeks to address challenges such as illegal wildlife trade, habitat loss and the decline of Nigeria’s unique wildlife populations.
Besides, the bill seeks to improve the capabilities of law enforcement agencies, give investigators more powers to investigate financial matters and conduct operations guided by intelligence, and enable judges to speed up wildlife cases and recover assets.
It aligns with international treaties, encourages global cooperation and introduces strict penalties for poachers and traffickers.
“Today, we take a bold stand against all illegal activities targeting our wildlife and forests,” said Ugbor. “By protecting our wildlife, we protect our future. This bill signifies our collective commitment to turn the tide against the use of our borders to traffic illegal wildlife products such as pangolin scales and elephant ivory.”
The Benue State-born lawmaker contended that the combination of lack of public awareness, weak legislation and minimal enforcement hindered efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and biodiversity loss in Nigeria.
As a result, he said Nigeria’s wildlife has declined massively, with species like lions, elephants, gorillas and chimpanzees driven to the verge of extinction.
Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and Wild Africa Fund (WAF) have been actively supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade, with support from the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund of the United Kingdom (UK) and Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the United States (U.S.).
