“This is a significant achievement for Nigeria and undoubtedly demonstrates our continued commitment to combating the wildlife trade and protecting our unique flora and fauna,” said Representative Tersir Ugbo, Vice-Chair of the House Environment Committee and the bill’s sponsor. Bola “Stronger laws mean that Nigeria’s forests and wildlife are now protected from exploitation and criminal activity.” We are proud of the progress of this Act, as protecting wildlife is inextricably linked to protecting our environment and future.
Over the past decade, Nigeria has become a major transit point for ivory and pangolin scales smuggled into Asia. Since 2015, the West African nation has been linked to more than half of the world’s pangolin scale smuggling between 2016 and 2019, amounting to over 30 tons. Environmental groups welcomed this latest development, noting that the bill demonstrates Nigeria’s proactive approach to the serious organized wildlife trade.
Tunde Morakinyo, CEO of African Nature Investors (ANI), said: “This momentous occasion has been long in the making. Traders have long used Nigeria as a transit country for the illicit wildlife trade, smuggling endangered wildlife from across Africa to Europe and Asia through our loopholes in borders, ports, and airports.” “This law aims to stop this shameful trade that is destroying our environment and damaging Nigeria’s international reputation. We welcome this bold step taken by the Nigerian Senate, which will make Nigeria a leader in global wildlife conservation, with one of the most progressive wildlife protection laws on the African continent.”
Mary Rice, Executive Director of the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA UK), said: “The passage of this important law is a significant milestone for Nigeria and demonstrates the country’s commitment to transforming from a center of wildlife crime to a leader in combating wildlife crime. Congratulations to all those who have worked tirelessly towards this goal. The EIA has always been proud to support these efforts and will continue to support Nigeria and other countries in the region.” The EIA firmly believes that long-term, sustainable change is key to solving environmental crime. Therefore, investigators, prosecutors, and the judiciary must immediately enforce this law to hold wildlife traffickers and other environmental violators accountable.
Peter Knights, CEO of Wild Africa (WA), said: “We hope the President will sign this law as soon as possible. The UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) conference will be held in Uzbekistan at the end of November.” If this law is passed, it will be a major achievement for the President and the nation. It will underscore the government’s commitment to taking a leading role in combating wildlife crime.
With the generous support of the Pangolin Conservation Fund, the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, the David Shepard Wildlife Foundation
, and the U.S. Bureau of Narcotics and Law Enforcement, ANI, EIA UK, and WA are actively supporting the Nigerian government’s efforts to combat the illegal wildlife trade. The EIA will ensure the law’s implementation with the support of the EU-funded GUARD Wildlife Project Foundation.
Following Senate approval, the Endangered Species Protection Act (2024) will be submitted to the President for signature, paving the way for stronger measures to combat wildlife crime and habitat destruction.
