The Nigerian Parliament passed sweeping legislation to combat illegal wildlife trafficking. Once the president signs the bill, offenders will face fines of up to 12 million naira ($8,300) and prison sentences of up to 10 years for trading elephant ivory, pangolin scales, and other endangered species products.
Lawmakers describe the bill as one of West Africa’s strongest measures against wildlife crime. Conservation experts, however, warn that without strict enforcement, the law could become symbolic rather than effective.
The Nigerian Senate approved the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill 2024 on October 28. This new law brings Nigeria into closer alignment with global conservation treaties such as CITES.
“The bill fixes major flaws in our old framework,” said Terseer Ugbor, the bill’s sponsor and deputy chairman of the House Committee on Environment. “The old version left unclear whether it covered both domestic and international wildlife trade.”
The legislation expands protection for threatened species, increases penalties, and allows courts to freeze assets linked to trafficking. It also strengthens collaboration among enforcement agencies to close loopholes that traffickers have long exploited.
Trafficking Networks Continue to Challenge Enforcement
Nigeria remains a central hub for global wildlife smuggling. Authorities seized over 3.7 metric tons of pangolin scales in Lagos in April 2025, representing more than 1,900 animals. Between 2010 and 2021, traffickers moved an estimated one million pangolins—nearly 90,000 per year—through Nigerian routes. In 2024 alone, Vietnamese officials intercepted 1.6 metric tons of ivory traced back to Nigeria.
Despite Nigeria’s prominent role as a transit center for wildlife bound for Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, successful prosecutions remain rare. The government has achieved only 12 convictions for wildlife crimes in the last three years.
Tunde Morakinyo, executive director of the African Nature Investors Foundation, doubts the new law’s impact without adequate enforcement. “A law without enforcement achieves nothing. Nigeria needs training, equipment, coordination, and education to make this work,” he said.
Regional Momentum Builds for Stronger Protection
Observers across West Africa view Nigeria’s move as part of a regional effort to combat wildlife trafficking. Togo, Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire have also increased penalties to meet international demands for tougher action.
Nigeria’s leadership could shift regional dynamics if enforcement succeeds. “With stronger laws, coordinated enforcement, and public awareness, Nigeria could transform from a trafficking hub into a conservation leader,” said Mark Ofua, West Africa representative for Wild Africa.
