At the signing of the agreement in Abuja on Friday, Nigeria’s 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 under the law.
It will also protect transboundary ecosystem, conservation and sustainable management of forestry and wildlife resources.
Lawal, who described environmental crimes as very serious, explained that the agreement would further strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and Cameroon towards realizing of sustainable environmental development.
The two countries have had a long history of cooperation since 1963 which borders 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 countries and enhance the good use of the two countries’ forest resources
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 part to ensure its success.