The Federal Government says it will strengthen and review existing laws on the protection of endangered species to curb their rapid extinction across the country.

Dr Ama Moses, Director of Forestry Department, Federal Ministry of Environment, disclosed this on Friday in Kano during a two-day workshop on Reducing Demand for Vultures in Traditional Medicine Practices.

The workshop was organised by the ministry in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).

Represented by Tijjani Ahmad Zakirai, Moses said the bill had been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and would be signed into law soon.

“When enacted, the legislation will prescribe stiffer penalties for those involved in hunting endangered species, and will serve as a tool to curb wildlife trade,” he said.

He said the Federal Government had taken several measures to address the menace, including the development of a National Vulture Conservation Plan aimed at reversing the declining population of vultures.

Other measures include nationwide awareness, education and sensitisation campaigns as well as stakeholder engagement on the ecological importance of vultures.

Also speaking, the Director-General of NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, represented by the Species Programme Lead, Dr Stella Egbe, said the forum provided an opportunity to promote vulture conservation efforts across the country.

In his welcome address, NCF Northern Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Garba Boyi, said the engagement aimed to bring stakeholders together to strategise on reducing threats to endangered species.

Special Adviser to Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State on Wildlife Conservation, Alhaji Ahmad Sawaba, said the state government was honoured to host the event, which was aimed at protecting endangered species nationwide.

A traditional herbalist, Sani Tsamiya Babba (Sarkin Shimfida), explained the traditional medicinal use of vultures, stressing the need for public enlightenment on alternatives.

This paper reports that the workshop, themed Reducing the Demand for Vultures in Belief-Based Use Practices, drew participants from traditional healers, herbal medicine practitioners, conservation groups, NGOs, government agencies and the media.

It also featured paper presentations and discussions on conservation strategies.

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The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Media Network has been inaugurated in Kano State during a three-day capacity-building workshop in the state capital.

The inauguration ceremony, held at Tahir Guest Palace on Saturday, led to the emergence of new executive members of the network.

Abdullahi Jalaludeen of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) was elected chairman, while Farida Umar of ARTV was elected secretary.

Muhammad Nur Tijani of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Bashir Bashir of Nasara Radio were elected Public Relations Officer and treasurer, respectively.

The workshop trained 11 media practitioners drawn from various organisations on key thematic areas, including the role of the media in strengthening WASH systems in Kano State.

Other areas covered included story development on WASH issues, budget monitoring and tracking in the WASH sector, advocacy journalism, and the use of social media for WASH reporting.

Participants are also scheduled to embark on a field trip to Makoda Local Government Area as part of the practical component of the training.

Facilitators at the workshop included Wale Elekolusi, Theola Monday, Ferdinand Anok, Blessing Oladunjaye, Mustafa Hassan and Ezekiel Sukumun.

Following their inaugural meeting, the newly elected executives called on the Kano State Government to assent to the WASH Policy Bill, describing it as essential to the advancement of water, sanitation, and hygiene services in the state.

Jalaludeen, the newly elected chairman, stressed the importance of the bill in sustaining progress on WASH.

“The bill is not just about regulation; it is about saving lives, ensuring clean water, and maintaining our Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, especially in vulnerable communities.

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Kano State Government, under its World Bank-assisted program, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), has awarded a N8.5 billion contract for the Bulbula/Gayawa gully erosion control project in Kano.

The project, a long-awaited intervention, seeks to address the severe erosion issues affecting communities in both Ungogo and Nassarawa Local Government Areas of the state.

Speaking at the event to announce the bid winner, State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, and Chairman of the ACReSAL Project, Dr. Dahiru Hashim, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to executing projects that directly improve the welfare of the people.

“This project is a direct response to the cries of the people. Many believed it was not feasible, but under the leadership of Gov. Abba Kabir -Yusuf, we refused to accept impossibilities. Today, we are delivering on his mandate to make Kano a safer and more resilient state,” he stated.

Hashim noted that the event marked a significant milestone in Governor Yusuf’s efforts to prioritize infrastructure projects that safeguard lives and property.

“For years, residents of Bulbula and Gayawa have suffered the devastating effects of erosion, leading to the loss of lives, the destruction of homes, and hazardous routes for schoolchildren.

“The contract, awarded to Habib Engineering Nigeria Limited at a cost of ₦8,497,595,290.00, is expected to be completed within 715 days.

“To ensure quality execution and accountability, we are forming a robust monitoring team.

“This is not just an infrastructure project; it is a lifesaving intervention. Awarding this contract in the blessed month of Ramadan reminds us of the importance of sincere intentions.

“Our commitment remains unwavering in advancing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s vision for a progressive and inclusive Kano,” he added.

According to him, the Bulbula/Gayawa Erosion Control Project stands as a testament to the administration’s dedication to addressing environmental challenges and improving the quality of life for Kano residents.

Hashim also revealed that over N600 million would be spent on compensating residents affected by the project.

In a remark, Ammar Nouri, General Manager of Habib Engineering Nigeria Limited, stated that the company would commence work on the project on April 1.

He promised to deliver the highest quality of work and assured that the company would actively engage with the local community once the project begins.

Some of the residents of affected areas who spoke to our correspondent also voiced their support for the project.

Ali Bala, a community member at Gayawa commended the state government for addressing their long-standing concerns.

He noted that the erosion had been a major challenge, causing frequent flooding and damaging homes, roads, and farmlands.

Buba Sani, of Bulbula , expressed his happiness that the government has finally awarded contract for the gully erosion control.

He said that the erosion has been a serious problem in the neighborhood for years, saying that the project will change a lot of things for them.

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