The Urgent Need for Pangolin Protection in Nigeria
On World Pangolin Day, WILD Africa has made a significant appeal for the swift enactment of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill by the Federal Government of Nigeria. This legislation is crucial for protecting pangolins, which are currently facing the threat of extinction.
The Threat to Pangolins
The statement from the group, delivered by Mr. Festus Iyorah, Nigeria Representative of WILD Africa, underscores the pressing necessity for enhanced wildlife protection laws in Nigeria. Despite being under national protection and the 2016 international ban on commercial pangolin trade enforced by CITES, these mammals remain the most trafficked animals globally.
Illegal Trafficking Drivers
According to Iyorah, the rampant illegal trafficking of pangolins is fueled by high demand for their scales in traditional medicine and as a food source. Notably, data indicates that Nigeria is linked to a staggering 55% of global pangolin scale seizures between 2016 and 2019.
Global Statistics and Concerns
A 2025 report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission Pangolin Specialist Group revealed that between 2016 and 2024, there were 530,978 pangolins confiscated in 2,222 seizures worldwide, with 99% of these being scale-related. This alarming trend highlights the extensive illegal trade still present.
Legislative Developments
To combat this, Nigeria introduced the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill in 2024, designed to impose stricter penalties on wildlife trafficking. Currently awaiting final presidential assent, this legislation is a critical step toward enhanced enforcement against wildlife crimes.
Recent Seizures and Arrests
In a testament to ongoing trafficking issues, the Nigeria Customs Service reported a significant seizure of 2.179 tonnes of pangolin scales in December 2024 alongside the arrest of a suspected trafficker. Since July 2021, operations have led to 35 arrests, 12 convictions, and a total of 21.582 tonnes of pangolin scales seized.
Deteriorating Biodiversity
Dr. Mark Ofua, West Africa spokesperson for WILD Africa, emphasized the urgent need for decisive actions to protect Nigeria’s rich biodiversity. He stated, “Nigeria is a custodian of precious biodiversity, but our pangolins are being trafficked into extinction.” The swift passage of the pending bill is seen as vital for strengthening enforcement measures.
The Path Forward
WILD Africa’s CEO, Peter Knights, highlights the critical nature of increasing awareness and enforcement throughout Africa. He points out that the slow reproduction rates of pangolins make them particularly vulnerable to exploitation, accentuating the need for immediate action.
For more information on pangolin conservation and the dire need for legal protection, you can visit the Wildlife Society and Pangolin International.
