Sign hunters, forestry bill into law, expert urges Buharic

• Published date: 09 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

Assistant Commander General of the Nigerian Hunters and Forestry Security Service (NHFSS), Johnny Metchie, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Hunters and Forestry Security Service Bill into law.

Metchie, who is in charge of Technical Services, told reporters that if the President signs the Bill, it would empower forest guards to bear arms and protect farms and forests as is the case in many other countries.

He recalled that both the Senate and the House of Representatives have passed the Bill and transmitted it to the President, waiting for his assent.

Metchie noted that when the Bill is signed into law, the Hunters and Forestry Security Service would take over the protection and safeguarding of forests.

He said: 'The incident that happened in Edo last Saturday, where many passengers waiting to board a train were attacked and abducted, is very unfortunate.

'While I condemn the dastardly act and sympathise with victims and their families, I want to use this opportunity to call on President Buhari to as a matter of urgency, sign the Hunters and Forestry Security Service Bill into law.

'The Bill is before Mr President just waiting for his accent.

'I have lived in many countries, including those in Europe, the United States, Canada and others.

'In these countries, even in South Africa, the forests are protected by forest guards and hunters.

'This helps tremendously in curbing the activities of criminals, especially those that use the forests as a hideout to carry out nefarious activities.

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