Nigeria, Cameroon Sign Agreement On Forestry Mgt

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, the 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 with 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 borders on transboundary security, joint commission on transboundary conservation and this agreement would further strengthen the long standing relations which symbolizes a milestone in providing a platform for establishment of a joint cross boundary management framework”.

“This is to facilitate cooperation and coordination within our countries and enhance the good use of our forest resources” Alhaji Lawal stressed.

“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 training our Judges and Lawyers towards this direction, so others can come in and support us because our common border between Nigeria and Cameroon spans 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 at achieving among other things to ensure that specific protocols are consistent with already identified cooperation areas, collaborating in implementing joint border programmes, enhancing institutional funds and mobilizing funds for 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.

Mathew Ayoola, Edited By Grace Namiji