The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), has destroyed through incinireation, a substantial quantity of seized wildlife products, including pangolin scales, leopard, python and crocodile skins at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) Gwagwalada, FCT.
Sharpedgenews reports that the historic initiative was to discourage wildlife traffickers, as well as boost efforts at protecting endangered species and eradicate contraband activities.
Pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals in the world, partly because their scales are in great demand for use in traditional medicine in Asia.
The destruction of the wildlife stockpiles which was through incineration (controlled burning) was carried out by NESREA and her partner, Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) at the UATH.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State, Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako said the destruction of the items is a powerful statement of the agency’s resolve to protect the environment and conserve the country’s wildlife.
According to him, the destruction of the seized items is a powerful statement of the Federal Government resolve to protect the environment, conserve our wildlife and combat the illegal trade that drives species to the brink of extinction.
Earlier, the Director -General of NESREA, Prof. Aliyu Jauro, said that the illegal wildlife trade was a serious threat to the country natural heritage and global biodiversity.
On his part, Dr Mark Ofua, the Veterinarian/Conservationist, the West African representative of WILD AFRICA FUND, said that Nigeria is a transit route for the trafficking of the wildlife products.
He said the destruction of the scales was meant to send signals to illegal traffickers and international communities that it won’t be business as usual.