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Nigeria Imposes Stiff Penalties to Combat Wildlife Trafficking
29 Oct
Summary
- Nigeria passes new law with fines up to $8,200 and 10-year jail terms for wildlife traffickers
- Law grants investigators powers to track financial flows and seize assets of offenders
- Nigeria identified as a major hub for illegal ivory and pangolin scale trade
In a significant move to curb organized crime networks involved in the illegal wildlife trade, the Nigerian Senate has passed a new law that imposes hefty fines and lengthy jail terms on wildlife traffickers. The Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, which was passed in May 2025, updates decades-old legislation and aligns Nigeria with global treaties on wildlife protection.
Under the new law, traffickers of ivory, pangolin scales, and other endangered species face fines of up to 12 million naira (approximately $8,200) and prison sentences of up to 10 years. The law also grants Nigerian Customs investigators the power to track financial flows, search and detain aircraft and vessels transporting prohibited wildlife, and seize the assets of offenders.
Conservation groups have welcomed the move, stating that it could help curb Nigeria's role as a major hub for the illegal wildlife trade. Data shows that Nigeria has been linked to over 30 tons of ivory seized since 2015 and more than half of the global pangolin scale trafficking between 2016 and 2019.
The new legislation is seen as a significant step forward in Nigeria's efforts to protect its unique fauna and flora. Lawmakers and environmental organizations are now urging for swift presidential assent before the upcoming UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora summit in Uzbekistan in November 2025.
