The government of Cameroon has entered into an agreement with Nigeria to implement policies and programs aimed at forest management and wildlife preservation.
This agreement, signed in January 2022, follows Nigeria’s announcement, made by former Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, to collaborate with Cameroon on ecosystem conservation and sustainable forestry and wildlife management.
According to Ikeazor, “Nigeria’s biodiversity is crucial to its economy, but it faces significant environmental challenges such as invasive alien species and climate change.”
However, the official signing of the agreement took place on Friday, with Jules Ndongo, Cameroon’s Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, emphasizing the necessity of the pact due to the illegal exportation of wildlife across the borders of both nations.
Ndongo reiterated Cameroon’s commitment to closely collaborating with Nigeria to ensure the effective implementation of a policy framework for the sustainable management of ecosystems.
He highlighted the historical and fraternal ties between the two countries and the need to enhance shared prosperity, particularly among communities living in transboundary regions.
Balarabe Lawal, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, assured Ndongo and the Cameroonian delegation of the federal government’s determination to achieve targets through the partnership.
Lawal expressed gratitude to Germany, the US, the United Nations (UN), and the European Union (EU) for their support in the preservation of forestry and wildlife resources in Nigeria.
“Nigeria and Cameroon share not only common borders but also a shared vision for the best approach towards the protection of resources between the two countries,” Lawal stated.
“This is for the overall well-being of our people, irrespective of social, economic, environmental, and cultural development.”
