Nigeria and Cameroon have signed a cooperation framework agreement on Transboundary Ecosystem Conservation and Sustainable Management of Forestry and Wildlife Resources.
At the signing of the agreement in Abuja, Nigerian Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal said the move would go a long way in safeguarding the exploitation and illegal marketing of non timber forest products and bush meats as well as ensure that activities within the borders are carried out in accordance with the law.
Alhaji Lawal who described environmental crimes as very serious explained that the agreement would further strengthen bilateral relations among Nigeria and Cameroon towards realizing the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s led administration in the area sustainable environmental development.
“It may interest you to know that since 1963, the two countries have had a long history of cooperation which birders on transboundary security, joint commission on transboundary conservation and this agreement would further strengthen the long standing relations and will symbolize a milestone in providing a platform for the establishment of a joint cross boundary management framework within which to facilitate cooperation and coordination within our our countries and enhance the good use of our forest resources ” Alhaji Lawal stressed
In his words “the agreement will also improve our legal system to see environmental crime as serious as other crimes that’s why the support by German Government on this issue is very important through the training our Judges and Lawyers towards this direction so that others can come in and support us because our common border between Nigeria and Cameroon span over 1,500 kilometres so necessary cooperation is needed towards harnessing its benefits for the two countries”.
On his part, the Cameroonian Minister of Forestry and Wildlife Resources, Mr Jules DoretNdongo said the agreement is aimed to achieve among other things ensure that a specific protocols are consistent with already identified cooperation areas, collaborating in implementing joint border programmes , enhancing institutional funds and mobilizing funds for the implementation of joint cross border programmes.
He therefore urged all parties in the agreement to be more committed to the implementation of the instrument pledging that the Government of Cameroon would play its own oart on the issue.
“My country hereby call on financial partners who assisted us from the beginning of this process not to relent towards ensuring the success of the agreement” the Cameroonian Minister stated
He therefore promised his country’s continuous collaboration with Nigeria towards harnessing environmental resources for national development.
Mr DoretNdongo called for more beneficial agreements between Nigeria and Cameroon to fast track socioeconomic growth among the two countries.
