SEO Riders:
– Nigeria’s Wildlife Protection Bill Advances to Senate
– Strengthening Wildlife Conservation Efforts in Nigeria
– Combating Illegal Wildlife Trafficking Through Legislation
On May 28, 2025, Nigeria’s House of Representatives passed the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024, marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s wildlife conservation efforts. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, aims to combat illegal wildlife trafficking by enhancing law enforcement capabilities, introducing stricter penalties for offenders, and aligning Nigeria’s legislation with international conservation treaties.
Key Highlights:
– Enhanced Enforcement: The bill empowers investigators with greater authority to probe financial transactions and conduct intelligence-led operations, while enabling judges to expedite wildlife cases and recover assets.
- – International Collaboration: By aligning with global treaties, the legislation promotes international cooperation in combating wildlife crimes.
- – Broad Support: Environmental organizations, including the Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), Environmental Investigation Agency UK (EIA UK), and Wild Africa (WA), have lauded the bill’s progression, emphasizing its potential to position Nigeria as a regional leader in wildlife conservation.
