The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the Wildlife Justice Commission have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen wildlife protection and combat organised trafficking in Nigeria.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday at NESREA’s headquarters in Abuja by the agency’s Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, and the WJC’s Chief of Investigations, Stephen Carmody, represented by Abim Isafiade, the Regional Manager for West and Central Africa.

Meanwhile, the newly signed MoU will strengthen intelligence-sharing, enhance forensic and legal collaboration, and support future programmes under the Nigerian Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force.

The MoU reflects a shared commitment by NESREA and the WJC to disrupt wildlife crime, dismantle transnational criminal networks, and ensure that organised crime is no longer driving species to extinction.

The development comes months after Nigeria’s House of Representatives passed the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024, which aims to curb organised wildlife trafficking and provide stronger protection for endangered species.

Nigeria has long been identified as a key transit hub in the global illegal wildlife trade.

Findings from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s Organised Crime Threat Assessment for Nigeria (2023) revealed the country’s central role in the trafficking of pangolins, ivory, and rosewood, among other species and forest products.

Speaking during the signing, Prof. Barikor said, “This MoU aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and demonstrates our government’s determination to protect biodiversity, conserve threatened species, and ensure sustainably managed wildlife resources for future generations.

“NESREA is committed to working hand-in-hand with the WJC to ensure that Nigeria does not serve as a haven or transit hub for wildlife traffickers. Together, we will make it increasingly difficult for those who profit from the destruction of our natural heritage.”

On her part, the Executive Director of the WJC, Olivia Swaak-Goldman, said the collaboration with NESREA would bring fresh vigour into wildlife enforcement activities in the country.

“By expanding our partnerships to include NESREA and the Nigerian Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force, we can sustain and deepen this transformation — ensuring that Nigeria continues to set the benchmark for intelligence-led enforcement,” she said

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Air Peace has announced delays on some of its flights across the country following heavy rainfall in Lagos on Tuesday morning.

The airline disclosed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the adverse weather conditions affected schedules but passenger safety remained paramount.

“We wish to inform you that due to the heavy downpour of rain in Lagos this morning, some flights across our operating networks will be delayed,” it said.

The airline explained that while the weather was beyond its control, it was working to minimise the disruptions.

“While weather is beyond our control and safety remains our utmost priority, we appeal for your understanding as we manage the disruptions as best as we can and get you to your destinations safely,” Air Peace said.

Passengers seeking updated flight schedules were advised to reach the airline via email or phone.

The airline further stressed its safety record, noting that “safety is not just a priority but a core commitment. We remain dedicated to upholding the highest safety standards for our passengers and crew.”

NiMet’s weather outlook, released on Sunday in Abuja, predicted isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains on Monday morning over Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba states.

In the afternoon and evening, isolated thunderstorms with moderate rain are expected across the northern region. Flash floods are likely in Adamawa, Taraba, and Gombe states.

For the central region, a cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is expected on Monday morning, accompanied by moderate rainfall over Niger, Kogi, Kwara, the FCT, and Benue.

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The Nigeria Customs Service has issued detailed guidelines to shortlisted candidates ahead of its computer-based test for the ongoing recruitment exercise.

The service emphasised that the CBT would be strictly monitored and advised candidates to take note of all instructions to avoid disqualification.

According to the NCS, here are 10 key things applicants must know

1. Test will be online
The service explained that the CBT would be conducted virtually, allowing candidates to write the exam from any location as long as there is reliable internet access. It added that those without personal devices could make use of internet-enabled computer centres.

2. Mobile phones not allowed
Applicants were warned against attempting to use mobile phones for the exam, as the platform does not support such devices. Only laptops and desktops that have webcam capability and allow full-screen display will be accepted.

3. Facial verification required
The NCS stated that a mandatory facial recognition process would be carried out during login. Candidates were urged to prepare accordingly, as their faces must match the details already provided during registration.

4. Avoid untidy appearance
The mail advised applicants to ensure their facial presentation is clear and uncluttered, stressing that “clumsy facial looks” might hinder the smooth operation of the verification system.

5. Sensitive to noise and movement
The CBT application is programmed to detect unusual behaviour. Candidates were cautioned to sit still and maintain focus throughout the test. The system, it warned, could log out those who make excessive body movements or create noise.

6. No distractions allowed
Beyond movements, the service also warned against writing the exam in noisy environments. It explained that whispering or background disturbances may be picked up by the system and interpreted as malpractice.

7. One window at a time
Applicants must remain on a single screen throughout the exam. Switching from one window to another, even briefly, could be flagged by the application as an attempt to cheat.

8. Pre-test before main exam
To familiarise candidates with the system, the service said there would be a compulsory practice session two days before the actual test. This, it added, would enable applicants to understand how the application works and reduce errors on the exam day.

9. Two links for candidates
The NCS explained that applicants would receive two separate links: one to access the pre-test and another for the main CBT on a different date. It urged candidates to use the correct link on the assigned day.

10. Extra test for Superintendent cadre
The mail noted that those who applied for the Superintendent cadre (Level 8) would undertake an additional CBT in the next phase of the recruitment. However, this requirement does not apply to candidates seeking positions in the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres.

The service said that applicants who scale through all stages would be invited for a final screening.

It was earlier reported that 286,697 candidates were shortlisted for the CBT stage, with the NCS directing all applicants to validate their email addresses as part of the process.

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