In a firm statement against illegal wildlife trade, Nigeria witnessed a significant event on Tuesday, January 09, 2024, as the government destroyed a staggering 2.5 tons of confiscated elephant tusks valued at over $11.2 million (N9.9 billion).
The tusks, seized from wildlife traffickers, were ceremoniously shattered and are slated to be pulverized into a commemorative monument in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The move, spearheaded by Environment Minister Iziaq Salako, is a decisive stand against the escalating illegal wildlife trade. Salako said that the destruction of the tusks serves as a clear message that Nigeria will not tolerate this illicit practice. The intended monument aims to symbolize Nigeria’s commitment to elephant conservation.
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Nigeria has increasingly become a hotspot for the illegal trade in African animal parts, primarily catering to Asia’s demand. The recent destruction of nearly four tonnes of pangolin scales in October underscored the country’s firm stance against wildlife trafficking.
Despite decades-long bans on international ivory commerce, experts estimate that tens of thousands of elephants fall victim to poaching annually. The 2.5-ton haul destroyed this week, showcasing intricately carved artworks, represents one of Nigeria’s most significant seizures.
According to recent reports, Africa’s elephant population has drastically declined from over 1.3 million in the 1970s to less than 500,000 today. Nigeria, home to a mere 400 elephants, faces a critical conservation challenge. Human-elephant conflicts, often arising from crop destruction or human encounters, further compound the issue.
Highlighting this, a viral video in December depicting soldiers shooting two elephants that strayed onto farmland prompted public outrage and triggered investigations by Nigerian authorities.
More efforts, strategies Needed
Nigeria’s step to destroy confiscated ivory echoes a global call for preserving endangered species. However, efforts and strategic measures remain imperative to curb the thriving illegal wildlife trade and ensure the survival of Africa’s dwindling elephant population.
Some conservationists have raised concerns, arguing that destroying seized ivory may not be the most effective solution. They suggest utilizing confiscated ivory for educational purposes, art exhibitions, or scientific research to raise awareness and combat demand. Experts and conservationists globally advocate for multifaceted approaches seen in other nations.
Countries such as Kenya and Gabon have implemented innovative strategies to address the poaching crisis and curb the illegal wildlife trade.
Kenya, for instance, has been lauded for its holistic approach. The East African country invests significantly in anti-poaching units, employs community-based conservation initiatives, and collaborates with international organizations to combat wildlife crime.
Similarly, Gabon has taken a proactive stance by establishing specialized law enforcement units dedicated to protecting wildlife. Alongside stringent law enforcement measures, Gabon emphasizes community engagement, incorporating local populations in conservation efforts and offering incentives for protecting wildlife habitats.
Despite Nigeria’s bold statement in destroying confiscated ivory, gaps in its approach to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade remain evident. The lack of comprehensive anti-poaching strategies, limited resources allocated to wildlife protection, and insufficient community involvement pose significant challenges.
Furthermore, the decision to pulverize the ivory into a monument, while symbolically powerful, has raised concerns among conservationists. Some argue that alternative approaches, such as controlled sales of seized ivory under strict regulations, could fund conservation efforts, support local communities, and diminish the black market demand.
The tragic incident in December, where soldiers shot elephants that strayed onto farmland, underscores the urgent need for improved training and protocols within Nigeria’s enforcement agencies to handle human-wildlife conflicts effectively.
While Nigeria’s commitment to conserving elephants is commendable, adopting a more comprehensive strategy akin to successful models in other African nations, along with stronger law enforcement, community engagement, and innovative conservation measures, could significantly bolster efforts to safeguard its dwindling elephant population and combat the illegal wildlife trade more effectively.