By Correspondent in Abuja.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating wildlife crime in Nigeria by donating ICT and operational equipment to the National Park Service (NPS).
The Country Director of UNODC, Mr. Cheikh Toure, stated this on Thursday in Abuja during a handover ceremony.
He commended the park for conserving wildlife, forest resources and combating other forms of crimes that affects the environment within the national protected areas.
Toure emphasized that the donation aligned with efforts to enhance the operational and administrative capacity of the NPS, a key government agency responsible for conserving wildlife and forest resources.
“These items are provided to support the implementation of corruption risk mitigation strategies jointly developed by UNODC and the NPS.
“These items are provided in pursuant to the implementation of the corruption risk mitigation strategies
“The goal is to eliminate opportunities for corruption in the park’s administration and operational systems,” Toure stated.
Receiving the items, Dr.Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator-General of the NPS, expressed gratitude to the organization for the support.
He acknowledged the significance of the modern ICT equipment in strengthening the fight against wildlife crime and highlighted the ongoing collaboration.
“We have got so much support from UNODC, series of trainings for our staff which are things to reckon with,” he further revealed.
Goni assured that the modern ICT equipment would be put in best use to minimise wildlife crime in the national parks in the country.
He commended the donor partner, the Government of Germany and appealed for more operational equipment and trainings for the park’s operations to be more efficient to combat wildlife crimes.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
