The Nigerian government says it will not relent in its efforts in the fight against wildlife crime in the country. Nigeria's Minister of State for Environment Dr Iziaq Salako stated this at the "public unveiling of an elephant sculpture constructed from the pulverized Wildlife stockpile” held in Abuja, Nigeria's capital. He said that the government would be resolute in enforcing laws and upscale the deployment of technology in fighting wildlife criminals. "I must warn that those engaged in the crime of illegal wildlife trade are very tenacious and do not give up easily. "Demand for wild animals’ parts and derivatives persists with a surge in black markets for sale of illegally acquired wildlife parts with the impact of such demand aggravated by the globalization of the world economy. he said" He also urged Nigerians to support the government in the fight against illegal wild life trafficking by providing intelligence, discouraging animal poaching, and refusing to use products that are not ethically sourced, including from online sources. “We need wildlife for our survival, well being and prosperity as they maintain ecological balance, provide critical ecosystem systems, maintain the food chain, and they keep us connected to nature," he said.