By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako has urged stakeholders to take bold steps in saving elephants from extinction.
The Minister made the call on Tuesday at the launching of the National Elephant Action Plan (NEAP) in Abuja.
The project by the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with Wildlife Conservation Society, WCS, and The Elephant Protection Initiative, EPI, spans 10 years (2024 – 2034).
Speaking at the event, Dr. Salako, said the launch of NEAP is a strong determination and resolve to continue to protect Nigeria’s natural resources including wildlife, not just for nature and humanity but also for sustainable economic development.
He called for stakeholders support for the Action plan, saying it will provide the necessary strategic framework for the coordination of all actors involved in elephant conservation and management, including government institutions, NGOs/INGOs, private sector partners and the local communities living around elephant habitats.
“The document is designed to be flexible and evolve strategies with new threats, new challenges, and new opportunities. It emphasizes habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, community engagement, and sustainable management practices thus creating a harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants, ensuring that both can thrive,” Salako stated.
“Let me emphasize that this NEAP launch is not just a ceremonial event but a call to action to all of us across government and across society. Nigeria Takes Bold Steps to Protect its Remaining Elephants” he said.
In her speech, former Minister of State for Environment and Chairperson EPI Leadership council, Sharon Ikeazor said public awareness was needed to foster a culture of conservation that will support the objectives of the action plan and reduce human-elephant conflicts.
She said the EPI Foundation was committed to supporting national governments through technical and financial support by developing and implementing their NEAPs for effective elephant protection and conservation on a country-by-country basis.
“This NEAP is multifaceted, involving local communities’ engagement in our conservation efforts. It also has law enforcement, habitat restoration, enhanced ecotourism, and international collaboration. It is also focusing on strengthening our legal framework and ensuring that they are effectively enforced.
“The success of Nigeria’s NEAP hinges on our collective effort, and it is only through sustained partnerships and unwavering dedication that we can achieve our goal. So we must leverage the power of education and public awareness. Changing attitudes and behaviors is crucial if we are to win the fight against poaching and illegal wildlife trade.
The WCS Nigeria Country Director, Andrew Dunn said implementing the Action plan will cost Nigeria $6,000,000 yearly, with each site requiring $600,000 yearly.
“NEAP is the last chance for the survival of elephants in Nigeria. Nigeria is one of the few countries in Africa that has both savanna elephants and forest elephants. In only 30 years, Nigeria’s elephant population has crashed from 1,500 to an estimated 300-400.
“NEAP is to reduce the illegal killing of elephants, reduce illegal trade in elephant products, maintain all existing inhabitat and restore connectivity, increase awareness of the importance of elephant conservation, improve knowledge and understanding through research, strengthen transboundary conservation, and improve cooperation and collaboration with local communities.
“Nigeria has lost 99 per cent of the original elephant population. The 10-year action plan contains all the actions needed to save elephants in Nigeria,” he said.
Founder, Africa Nature Investor, Tunde Morakinyo who was represented by Wilson Ogoke solicited cooperation of stakeholders for effective implementation of Action plan to ensure that Nigeria’s elephant population don’t go extinct.
The Director of State Engagement, Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation, Korogone Sinagabe harped on role of the public to safeguard, prevent poaching, and to foster an environment where elephants or wildlife and communities will flourish.
