The Bill is widely regarded as a transformative step in strengthening Nigeria’s response to wildlife crime.

Nigeria’s Wildlife Protection Bill Passes Final Reading In House Of Reps, Promises Tougher Penalties for Traffickers

Nigeria’s Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024, has passed its third and final reading in the House of Representatives. 

The legislation, designed to tackle wildlife trafficking and habitat destruction, will be forwarded to the Senate for concurrence.

The Bill is widely regarded as a transformative step in strengthening Nigeria’s response to wildlife crime. 

It introduces stiffer penalties for offenders, grants investigators expanded powers to probe financial transactions and conduct intelligence-led operations, and empowers judges to fast-track wildlife crime cases and recover illicit assets. 

It also aligns Nigeria’s wildlife protection framework with international treaties, fostering greater global cooperation.

Hon. Terseer Ugbor, the Bill’s sponsor and Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, emphasised its significance in curbing illegal wildlife trade.

The sponsor of the Bill, Hon. Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, said, “This Bill sends an unambiguously clear message that Nigeria will not tolerate the use of its borders for trafficking of illegal wildlife products, such as pangolin scales and ivory, to foreign markets. 

“By modernising our laws, we want to ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from the ecological and economic value of our biodiversity.”

Nigeria has gained notoriety in recent years as a global hub for wildlife trafficking, having been linked to the smuggling of over 30 tonnes of ivory since 2015 and more than half of all pangolin scales seized worldwide between 2016 and 2019, primarily destined for Asian markets.

The Bill’s advancement has drawn praise from environmental organisations, both local and international.

Tunde Morakinyo, Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI) Executive Director, said, “The steady progress of this bill is a testament to Nigeria's firm commitment to strengthening wildlife governance, combating wildlife trafficking, and positioning itself as a leader in conservation. 

“The lawmakers and leadership of the House of Representatives deserve commendation for their vision, dedication, and commitment to this crucial step towards protecting Nigeria’s environment and its wildlife.”

Also, the Executive Director of the UK-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA UK), echoed Morakinyo’s sentiment. 

She said, “EIA commends the work of Nigeria’s lawmakers in continuing to support this important legislation, which demonstrates the country’s commitment to ensuring regional security and tackling the scourge of international trafficking networks.” 

In a similar vein, Peter Knights, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Wild Africa (WA), described the development as a breakthrough. 

He said, “This is a great step forward for Nigeria to lead the region in combating wildlife crime.” 

ANI, EIA UK, and WA have been at the forefront of supporting Nigeria’s fight against wildlife trafficking, with key funding from international bodies including the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, and the Pangolin Conservation Fund.

Once approved by the Senate, the Bill will be sent to the President for final assent, setting the stage for a new chapter in Nigeria’s environmental and wildlife protection efforts.