As container ships laden with goods slowly enter Nigerian ports, their ordinary cargo may conceal ivory, rhino horns, or even live endangered species. These illicit trades threaten global ecological balance and pose national security risks. The World Customs Organization's INAMA project is helping Nigeria forge new weapons against this silent crime.
A Global Mission to Protect Endangered Species
The World Customs Organization (WCO) has long committed to combating illegal wildlife trade, with the INAMA project serving as a key implementation of this pledge. Funded by the U.S. State Department and Germany's GIZ, the initiative strengthens customs capabilities in target countries to protect species listed under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species).
At its core, INAMA helps nations establish robust risk management systems to more effectively identify and intercept illegal wildlife products moving through global supply chains.
Nigeria's Strategic Challenge
As Africa's trade hub, Nigeria faces growing pressure as a potential transit point for wildlife trafficking. Recognizing this vulnerability, INAMA deployed expert teams in late 2019 to conduct diagnostic assessments and implementation missions at Nigerian customs facilities.
The comprehensive evaluation examined Nigeria's existing risk management frameworks, legal protocols, and operational procedures against WCO standards and international best practices. This diagnostic phase identified critical gaps that would shape subsequent interventions.
Building Operational Capacity
During implementation, INAMA experts worked closely with Nigerian customs leadership to develop targeted improvement strategies. Nearly 100 officers from headquarters and key ports received specialized training in developing wildlife trafficking risk profiles — the project's cornerstone methodology.
These profiles equip inspectors with actionable intelligence to detect high-risk shipments, incorporating indicators such as:
• Species markers: Detailed databases of endangered species characteristics for rapid identification
• Transport patterns: Risk-weighted analysis of shipping methods, with heightened scrutiny on containerized cargo
• Trade anomalies: Detection algorithms for mismatched declarations, suspicious values, or obscure origins
• Trader vetting: Monitoring systems for newly registered entities or those with compliance issues
Expanding the Global Network
Beyond Nigeria, INAMA has deployed similar programs in Malawi and Vietnam, fostering international cooperation. The WCO plans to convene a global risk management symposium, creating platforms for cross-border intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement strategies.
While the project provides critical foundations, sustained success will require Nigeria's continued institutional commitment and international support. Through this collaborative approach, Nigerian customs aims to transform into a formidable barrier against the transnational wildlife trafficking epidemic.