The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for urgent action to address the menace to wildlife crimes which poses a significant threat to sustainable development, security and economic stability.
The UNODC Country Representative in Nigeria, Cheikh Toure, made this known at the #BeWildForNature Youth Network Event in commemoration of the World Wildlife Day in Abuja.
The theme: “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods.”
Toure said the theme underscored the importance of medicinal and aromatic plants, which serve as vital resources for traditional medicine, cultural identity and livelihoods across Nigeria and Africa.
He warned that these resources were under increasing threat from overexploitation, habitat loss, climate change and illegal trade.
Toure said the network which originated as a digital campaign in 2024, is aimed at mobilising youth to leverage innovation in combating wildlife crime and promoting conservation awareness.
He states that the initiative had successfully positioned young people as key actors in conservation efforts.
Toure described wildlife crime as a form of transnational organised crime that fuels illicit financial flows, weakens governance systems and deprives nations of valuable natural assets.
“Addressing the challenge requires robust institutions, effective enforcement mechanisms and strengthened partnerships, in line with the UNODC Country Programme for Nigeria 2026–2030,” he stressed.
The UNODC official also described the passage of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill as a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to safeguard biodiversity.
He added that the organisation’s country programme prioritises collaboration with youth networks on issues such as environmental crime, cyber-enabled crime and community resilience.
Toure stressed that protecting medicinal and aromatic plants was key to preserving health systems, cultural heritage and future livelihoods.
He called on stakeholders to move beyond dialogue to concrete action and sustained partnerships in tackling wildlife crime while commending Nigerian youth for their leadership and continued commitment to protecting the environment.
Toure highlighted the far-reaching implications of environmental crimes, adding that wildlife protection must be prioritised not only as an environmental issue but also as a critical factor for human health, cultural preservation and national security.
Responding, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, represented by UNICEF representative Wafaa Saeed, said the observance underscored the inseparable relationship between human wellbeing and the environment.
“Healthy ecosystems are critical to societal stability, economic growth, and future sustainability,” he said.
Highlighting the theme, the UN official said medicinal plants serve as a primary healthcare source for millions in Nigeria and globally, while representing indigenous knowledge systems and supporting local economies.
He warned that these vital resources face threats from biodiversity loss, unsustainable harvesting, climate change, and environmental degradation.
Fall emphasized that biodiversity conservation directly contributes to key Sustainable Development Goals, including good health and wellbeing, climate action, life below water, life on land, and peace, justice, and strong institutions.
He explained that the initiative produced 10 finalists through a competitive process, with top performers receiving awards, alongside special recognition for female participants in celebration of Women’s Month.
The UNODC representative noted that the young influencers were now driving community-based initiatives and outreach activities, contributing to increased awareness and action on wildlife conservation.
He, however, stressed that the success of the law would depend on effective implementation, improved institutional capacity, public awareness and multi-sectoral collaboration.
He emphasised that youth are not only beneficiaries but also critical partners in advancing conservation, crime prevention and sustainable development.
“UNODC recognises the importance of youth inclusion in decision-making processes, from policy design to monitoring and evaluation.
“Youth-led innovation and advocacy are essential in translating policies into tangible impact and strengthening environmental stewardship,” he said.
In his remarks, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohammed Fall, represented by UNICEF rep., Ms. Wafaa Saeed, reaffirmed commitment saying the UN in Nigeria would continue to support national priorities.
This, he said, would be through policy dialogue, technical cooperation and partnerships that integrate environment, health and sustainable development.
The coordinator said the UN would also work with government and partners to advance initiatives that protect biodiversity while promoting human development outcomes.
