Nigeria Moves to Enforce Harsher Penalties for Wildlife Traffickers

Senate passes bill to protect endangered species and align with global conservation laws

In a landmark move, the Nigerian Senate has passed the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024, which seeks to impose tougher penalties on wildlife traffickers and strengthen the country’s fight against the illegal trade of endangered species.

The bill, which awaits President Bola Tinubu’s assent, is designed to replace the outdated Endangered Species Act of 1985, providing Nigeria with a modern legal framework to combat wildlife crimes in line with international environmental standards.

A Major Step Against Wildlife Crime

According to reports from Reuters, the new legislation introduces fines of up to ₦12 million (about $8,200) and jail terms of up to 10 years for individuals caught trafficking endangered animals or their parts — including elephants, pangolins, and other vulnerable species native to Africa.

The bill also empowers law enforcement agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Police Force, and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to conduct investigations, trace financial transactions, and confiscate assets linked to wildlife crimes.

Under the new framework, authorities can also seize vehicles, aircraft, and vessels used in transporting trafficked wildlife. This reflects Nigeria’s commitment to dismantling the multi-billion-naira illegal wildlife trade networks that have long operated across its borders.

Aligning with Global Conservation Efforts

Nigeria is a key transit hub in the global trade of endangered wildlife, particularly in ivory and pangolin scales — two of the world’s most trafficked items. Environmental groups have repeatedly called on the government to strengthen enforcement mechanisms to meet international obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

By passing this new bill, Nigeria aims to demonstrate a stronger stance in the fight against wildlife trafficking and environmental degradation.

Speaking during the Senate plenary, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, who sponsored the bill, noted that the legislation “will ensure that Nigeria plays its part in the global effort to end wildlife crime and protect our natural heritage for future generations.”

He emphasized that wildlife trafficking has not only endangered species but also fueled corruption and deprived the country of ecological and economic benefits tied to tourism and sustainable resource use.

Reactions from Environmental Stakeholders

Environmental advocates have welcomed the bill as a long-awaited development.
The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) praised the Nigerian government for taking what it described as “a decisive step toward wildlife justice.”

Similarly, Greenfingers Africa Initiative, a Lagos-based non-profit, said the stiffer penalties would serve as a deterrent to criminal networks exploiting weak laws and poor enforcement.

“This new law gives prosecutors stronger legal backing to pursue offenders,” said the group’s spokesperson, Adaeze Oparaugo. “For too long, traffickers have treated wildlife crime as low risk and high reward. Now, they’ll think twice.”

However, some experts also cautioned that enforcement will be the real test. They urged the government to train wildlife officers, strengthen border patrols, and improve cooperation among security agencies to ensure the law achieves its full impact.

The Broader Environmental Context

Nigeria’s rich biodiversity is under constant threat from habitat loss, deforestation, poaching, and the illegal wildlife trade. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) estimates that Africa loses thousands of elephants and pangolins every year to poachers and smugglers.

Nigeria, being both a source and transit country, has faced criticism for its role in the global trafficking chain. Shipments seized in Asia and Europe in recent years were traced back to Nigerian ports, highlighting the scale of the problem.

With this bill, environmentalists believe the country has a real chance to reverse the trend. The law’s provisions also include establishing wildlife conservation zones and funding awareness campaigns to educate communities living near protected areas.

Awaiting Presidential Assent

The next critical step is for President Bola Tinubu to sign the bill into law. Once approved, it will immediately take effect, marking a new era in environmental governance and accountability.

Experts expect that, with proper implementation, the law could attract international funding and partnerships to support anti-trafficking efforts, conservation education, and eco-tourism initiatives.

“The passage of this bill sends a clear message that Nigeria is serious about protecting its natural resources,” said environmental lawyer Dr. Funmi Akinyele. “But to truly succeed, enforcement must be transparent, well-funded, and free from corruption.”

Conclusion

The fight against wildlife trafficking in Nigeria is far from over, but this new bill represents a crucial turning point. With stronger penalties, greater investigative powers, and international cooperation, the country is poised to make meaningful progress in preserving its natural heritage.

As the world awaits the President’s assent, conservationists and citizens alike hope this legislation will not only protect endangered species but also promote a culture of respect for nature and sustainable development.