Abuja, Nigeria——

Nigeria and Cameroon on Friday signed a historic partnership to protect wildlife, protect critical habitats and combat cross-border wildlife trade.

The signing ceremony of the agreement, which was attended by the Minister of Environment of Nigeria, Cameroon and other dignitaries, provides legal support for the joint protection of endangered species such as gorillas and chimpanzees as well as common natural habitats.

Authorities said the two countries would share intelligence, conduct research and step up enforcement against violators.

“The exploitation and poaching of forestry resources, especially cross-border poaching, poses a serious threat to the sustainable management of our natural resources,” said Jules Doret Ndongo, Cameroon’s Minister of Forestry and Wildlife.

The partnership will also address illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking.

Southern Nigeria shares a nearly 2,000-kilometer border with Cameroon. The region is home to some of Africa’s most endangered apes, chimpanzees, leopards and elephants, all of which are threatened by poaching, population growth, mining activities and illegal tree felling.

Baralbe Abbas Lawal, Minister of Environment of Nigeria. “In addition to global phenomena such as climate change and environmental challenges, social factors such as overpopulation, poverty, and food insecurity continue to bring these resources to the brink of extinction. In the process, cross-border violations further exacerbate the Scarcity”. We are taking a number of other steps to address this issue, including working to enforce our legal system to treat environmental crimes as serious as other crimes, so we need cooperation from both countries to achieve this. “

Nigeria is the epicenter of wildlife trafficking in Africa. Pangolin scales and ivory are the most trafficked items.

In February, Nigerian authorities seized 200 kilograms of ivory in a southern border town near Cameroon.

A lack of awareness and prosecution of offenders is why this trend continues.

In addition to the joint partnership, Nigerian lawmakers are also considering a new bill that would protect endangered species and punish wildlife poachers and smugglers. The bill is expected to receive a public hearing in May.