News

Speaker Abbas Reiterates Commitment of FG In Regulating Wildlife, Conservation

Published

2 months ago

October 24, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has reiterated the commitment of the federal republic of Nigeria to regulating wildlife trade, conserving migratory species, and protecting ecosystems.

The Speaker who stated this during a public hearing on the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Treatise, Protocols and Agreements and Committee on Environment on Thursday in Abuja, said the country aims to achieve this through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Speaker Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Ali Isa, notes that the hearing emphasises the collective commitment to safeguarding the rich biodiversity that Nigeria is blessed with, and to ensure the future of our precious flora and fauna.

According to him, Nigeria has an exceptional range of wildlife, from the majestic African elephant, to the Calabar Gorilla, the vibrant Nigerian grey parrot and the magnificent West African manatee.

Abbas said, “these creatures are not just captivating inhabitants of our forests, savannahs, and waterways, they are integral to the delicate balance of our environment.

“Their presence plays a vital role in maintaining ecological stability, supporting healthy ecosystems, and providing vital resources for our communities.

“The rate at which species across Nigeria are facing extinction is a stark reminder of the urgent need for a decisive legislative action to halt this negative trend.

“We have become the world’s most significant transit point for illegal ivory and pangolin scales smuggled from Africa to Asia. Between 2016 and 2019, more than half of pangolin scales seized globally came from Nigeria. In January 2019, Hong Kong Customs seized $8 million worth of elephant tusks and pangolin scales from a shipping container from Nigeria.

“Conservationists estimate that Nigeria has less than 500 elephants, 100 Cross River gorillas and about 50 lions left. Pangolins are endangered or on the brink of extinction. At the same time, other species are in decline, including crocodiles and antelope species such as cane rats and duikers, which are widely available in ‘bush meat’ markets across the country. This decline is due to habitat loss, poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and Climate change which adds another layer of complexity to the challenges faced by these already vulnerable species.”

The Speaker lamented that the loss of biodiversity weakens the resilience of the ecosystem, making it more susceptible to environmental disturbances.

“The disruption of ecological balance can lead to the decline of other species, impacting food security and potentially triggering unforeseen consequences for human health, he said.

According to Abbas, while taking actions to protect the environment, it opens up great opportunities of turning our wildlife and environment into economic use.

“Ecotourism, which relies on healthy ecosystems and vibrant wildlife populations, can be a powerful driver of economic growth. Our investment in this sector will, in turn, create jobs, generate revenue, and promote sustainable development that will benefit local communities and the country at large. This will help diversify our national economy and ease the pressure on the oil sector.

“This Bill, therefore, is not merely a legislative exercise; it is a critical step towards fulfilling our moral obligation to protect the environment and preserve the legacy of these invaluable species for future generations.

“It seeks to establish a robust legal framework that will address the multifaceted challenges threatening our endangered animals and plants such as illegal wildlife trade by imposing stringent penalties on those involved in the trafficking of endangered species, promote sustainable wildlife management through the establishment of conservation areas and the implementation of community-based conservation initiatives. amongst others,” he noted.

Chairman, Committee on Treaties, Protocols, Rep. Rabiu Yusuf, said the Bill represents a critical step in the collective efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s biodiversity, to protect endangered species, and ensure the sustainable management of precious natural resources.

According to him, “it serves to fulfil Nigeria’s international commitments.

“Nigeria is blessed with a rich and diverse array of wildlife and ecosystems which are increasingly under threat.

“The stark reality is that we are witnessing an alarming decline in biodiversity, driven by habitat destruction, deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and climate change. Our natural resources, once abundant, are now vulnerable to over-exploitation and mismanagement, placing several species on the brink of extinction.

“As we stand at this critical juncture, the need for a strong legislative framework to conserve and manage our wildlife has never been more pressing. The Bill before you today offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges we face and aligns our national policies with international best practices,” he added.

Rep. Yusuf said the bill is structured to address wildlife protection, sustainable use of natural resources, wildlife reserves and protected areas, enforcement and compliance, as well as public awareness and education.

He asserted that while the Bill sets the stage for meaningful legislative action, it is only part of the solution and that true success will require the collaboration of germane stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, local communities, and the private sector.

And that it will also require strong regional and international cooperation, particularly in combatting cross-border wildlife crime.

“By passing this Bill, we are not only protecting Nigeria’s wildlife but also making a profound commitment to posterity. The preservation of our ecosystems is essential for the well-being of our people, our environment, and our economy. Without healthy ecosystems, we jeopardize the very resources that support agriculture, water supply, tourism, and rural livelihoods.

“Apart from the protection of our ecosystem, there is a great economic opportunity staring us in the face. Ecotourism, is of great economic value that will create manifold jobs, generate revenue, and promote sustainable development which will be of benefit to local communities and the country at large,” he stated.

The Ministry of Environment in their submission said there was the need to conduct an in-depth species inventory for the proper categorization of all species into schedules based on scientific data.

Representing the Director of Forestry, Dr Moses Ama, posited that Bill be stepped down to allow for a comprehensive, evidence based assessment of the nation’s wildlife population and conservation status to be conducted by the Ministry.

Also other stakeholders called for stiffer penalties for defaulters.

News

Renovation: Tinubu, Shettima’s official quarters to gulp N6.36bn

Published

14 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

The Federal Government has allocated a total of N6,364,181,224 billion for the renovation and rehabilitation of the residential quarters of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and some of their aides in the 2025 budget proposal.

Sunday PUNCH’s analysis of the proposed allocation, contained in the 2025 Appropriation Bill presented to the National Assembly, showed that the annual maintenance of the Presidential Villa would gulp N5.49bn.

According to the proposed budget, N765m will be used for the renovation of the Vice President’s quarters and guest house.

The renovation of the president’s quarters at the State House will cost N6.39m, while the renovation of security quarters, auditorium, gymnasium and presidential aides’ quarters will cost N49m.

In addition, the renovation of Prescott barracks at Maple State House officers’ mess building and signal office in Asokoro, Abuja will cost N51m.

Further analysis of the budget revealed that Tinubu and his vice are also expected to have N87m as honorarium and sitting allowances, while N127m was allocated for the procurement of SUVs.

Also, N3.66bn was budgeted for the purchase of State House operational vehicles and N1,09bn will be spent on replacement of SUV vehicles at the State House.

Under the budget of the State House Lagos Liaison Office, there is an allocation of N14.72m for the routine maintenance of State House Lagos facilities (Dodan Barracks, Vice President guest houses at Ikoyi, among others).

Another N140.10m was allocated for the completion of renovation and furnishing of the State House annex (Dodan Barracks), Lagos.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government is planning to spend N1.83bn on converting forfeited properties from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission into State House quarters.

The plan to convert forfeited houses from the EFCC comes in the same month that the commission disclosed the recovery of an estate in the Lokogoma District of Abuja, measuring 150,500 square metres and containing 753 units of duplexes and other apartments.

The commission described this as its “single largest asset recovery” since its inception in 2003.

The estate rests on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09 of the district, and was forfeited in a ruling on Monday, December 2, 2024, by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie.

(Punch)

News

SEE NAIRA Rates Against The USD, GBP, EURO Today December 23, 2024

Published

17 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

WHEN we look at this month, USD was traded at ₦ at the beginning of this December on Monday, December 2, 2024. As at today with USD being traded at ₦1,655 we see a % for United States Dollar to Naira exchange rate for this month.

On this page, we are primarily focusing on the Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today, the USD to Naira currency pair are the most traded currency in the FX market.

Black Market Exchange Rates
Buying Rate
Selling Rate
Dollar to Naira 1655 1640
Pounds to Naira 2150 2000
Euro to Naira 1730 1700
Canadian Dollar to Naira 1146 1135
Rand to Naira 52 43
Dirham to Naira ‎0 0
Yuan to Naira 62 62
G.Cedi to Nair 70 50
CFA F. (XOF) To Naira 0.83 0.81
CFA F. (XAF) To Naira 0.74 0.74
READ ALSO: INSIDE LIFE: 26-Year-Old Lady Died In Bangladesh With No One To Claim Her Body, She Is A Nigerian From Enugu (SEE PHOTO)

Having full knowledge how much USD to NGN black market exchange rate today will give you a better opportunity to plan and make informed decisions.

Nairatoday.com

News

Passengers Stranded As Warri-Itakpe Train Derails In Delta Community

Published

22 minutes ago

December 23, 2024

Naijablitznews

Passengers of a train plying the Warri-Itakpe route escaped death on Sunday as the train derailed at Okpara in the Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

It was gathered that the passengers were stranded following the incident that happened at about 10pm.

According to eyewitness accounts, some of the passengers got to their destinations on Monday morning.

“The incident happened at Okpara Station last night. They stole many people’s phones and other valuables when they slept at night,” a source said.

“It’s this morning that everybody began to find their way to their various destinations.”

The Nigerian Railway Corporation confirmed the incident in a statement by its spokesman, Yakub Mahmood on Monday.

Mahmood said the service will resume shortly, adding that a team of engineers is at the site of the incident to ensure the track is restored soon.

According to him, the train service will resume as scheduled on Monday afternoon.

The statement reads in part, “The management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) hereby informs the general public, especially our valued passengers that ply the Warri-Itakpe route, that following the minor derailment yesterday at the Okpara station, the service will resume shortly as our team of engineers are at the site of the accident to ensure the track is restored anytime soon.

“However, Itakpe-Warri (Ujewu) train will resume as scheduled in the afternoon today.

“All inconveniences caused as a result of the minor derailment is highly regretted.”