Nigeria is set to introduce tougher penalties for wildlife trafficking as part of its intensified efforts to curb illegal trade in endangered species, which has placed the country under growing international scrutiny.
According to Reuters, the proposed amendments to the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act will significantly increase fines and prison sentences for offenders. The Ministry of Environment said the move aims to align Nigeria’s legal framework with global conservation standards and address the country’s role as a major transit hub for ivory, pangolin scales, and other illicit wildlife products.
Environment Minister Iziaq Adekunle Salako told Bloomberg that the government is determined to strengthen enforcement through collaboration with international partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). “Nigeria will not be a safe haven for traffickers. We are building stronger laws and institutions to protect our biodiversity,” he said.
As highlighted by BBC Africa, Nigeria has been ranked among the top global hotspots for wildlife smuggling, with authorities making several high-profile seizures in recent years. Conservation groups have praised the government’s latest initiative, saying stricter penalties could serve as a strong deterrent and reinforce Nigeria’s environmental leadership in West Africa.
