Nigeria passes tough new wildlife law; enforcement doubts remain

Mongabay
Mongabay 3M Nigeria
Nigeria's Parliament passed a new wildlife law to combat illegal trafficking, imposing severe penalties. This legislation is crucial for conservation efforts but faces skepticism regarding enforcement capabilities.
Nigeria passes tough new wildlife law; enforcement doubts remain
Why it matters
On October 28, 2025, Nigeria's Parliament passed the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill 2024, aimed at combating illegal wildlife trafficking. The new law introduces severe penalties, including fines of up to 12 million naira (approximately $8,300) and prison sentences of up to 10 years for trafficking products from endangered species like elephant ivory and pangolin scales. This legislation is seen as a significant advancement in Nigeria's conservation policies, aligning the country more closely with international agreements such as CITES. However, experts warn that without robust enforcement mechanisms, the law may not achieve its intended impact. Nigeria has been a major hub for wildlife trafficking, with a history of low conviction rates for offenders. Recent seizures of pangolin scales and ivory highlight the scale of the problem. Observers believe that if Nigeria can effectively enforce this law, it could lead to broader regional improvements in wildlife conservation efforts.
TOPICS

Climate & Environment Wildlife

Be prepared — without the noise

Calm, decision-grade intelligence that flags material changes before they become social knowledge—so you can update assumptions, not chase headlines.

DECISION-GRADE INTELLIGENCE

Get decision-grade intelligence in your inbox

A high-signal brief covering what changed — and what matters — delivered by email.

A handful of briefs — before your coffee gets cold.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We don’t sell your email.