According to Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust, the most affected parrot species is African grey parrot, a species once abundant in Nigeria’s forests but now facing drastic population declines due to persistent illegal trapping and trade. 

Conservation organizations, Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust, have raised the alarm over the staggering scale of parrot trafficking in Nigeria and West Africa. 

The organisation said that estimated three million parrots had been illegally taken from Nigeria and other West African countries to international markets in over the past four decades.

The conservation organisations which raised the alarm in a statement jointly issued on Saturday as Nigeria joined other countries of the world to mark this year’s World Parrot Day, called for urgent action to ensure stronger protection of Nigeria’s remaining parrot populations.

According to Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust, the most affected parrot species is African grey parrot, a species once abundant in Nigeria’s forests but now facing drastic population declines due to persistent illegal trapping and trade. 

Despite legal protections at both national and international levels, organisations noted that the birds continue to be hunted in Nigeria and other African countries for the exotic international pet market.

“Parrots are keystone species, intelligent, social, and ecologically crucial. Their decline reflects the health of entire ecosystems,” said  Dr. Mark Ofua, Wild Africa’s West Africa spokesperson. 

“Parrots are more than just brilliant colors and clever mimicry, they are vital ambassadors of our planet’s wild places. 

“On World Parrot Day, let’s honor their intelligence and resilience by protecting the forests they call home and the freedom they deserve. May we listen, love, and never let their voices fade into silence.” 

They noted that over 1.2 million wild-caught grey parrots have been recorded in the international trade over the last four decades, stressing that with an estimated 40 – 60% mortality rate during capture and transport, the true number of birds trafficked within the said period is as high as three million.

They however noted that in recent months, Nigerian authorities have made several high-profile interventions. 

Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust recalled that in March 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted over 300 parrot heads, a discovery that drew international condemnation and highlighted the brutality of the trade. 

The interception was made during routine baggage inspections at the Mfun/Ekok Joint Border Station in Cross River State, which links Nigeria and Cameroon. 

The Nigeria Customs also revealed that it intercepted a traveler entering Nigeria from Cameroon identified as Abubakar, who was found smuggling an alarming assortment of wildlife parts, including 213 parrot skulls, 29 packs of parrot feathers, six eagle skulls, one pack of eagle feathers, 128 African hornbill skulls, two gorilla skulls, and four gorilla hands and feet.

In April 2025, Nigeria Special Wildlife Officers (NSWO) also reportedly rescued 12 live Grey parrots being transported via bus between Kaduna and Lagos.

Also, in May, three suspected traffickers were arrested in Abuja with live African grey parrots and other species. 

The suspects were said to have been arrested in different parts of the city for the illegal sale of prohibited exotic birds and wild animals contrary to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act.

The rescued birds are now being rehabilitated at the Pandrillus Nigeria Drill Ranch.

“Our research shows that Grey parrots in Nigeria are in serious trouble. It’s enormously encouraging to see the intensified efforts by NESREA, NCS, and NPS to stop illegal trade and protect the remaining populations of parrots in the wild,” said Ifeanyi Ezenwa, Nigeria Country Coordinator, World Parrot Trust. 

“However, sadly, many people are still unaware of how the exploitation of parrots is destroying our natural heritage.” 

While praising recent enforcement successes, the conservation organisations emphasized the need for long-term legislative and community-based solutions. 

They noted that the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, which has passed its final reading in the National Assembly, is a critical tool, hence, they urged the lawmakers to expedite its passage.

Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust also stressed the importance of public education to curb demand for parrots as pets. 

They noted that through radio, TV, billboards, and newspaper campaigns, they are working to raise awareness and change perceptions about parrot ownership.

They said, “Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust are calling for the quick passage of the bill to support ongoing law enforcement efforts. 

“In addition, more public education is needed to reduce the demand for parrots as pets. Both Wild Africa and World Parrot Trust continue to advocate for stronger conservation policies and initiatives that safeguard Nigeria’s parrots using a combination of radio, TV, billboards, and newspaper publications.

“Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust call on governments, businesses, and individuals to come together and take meaningful action to protect parrots before it’s too late.”