The Nigeria Conservation Foundation urged President Bola Tinubu to sign the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2025, on Friday [1].
The request marks a push to modernize Nigeria's legal approach to wildlife preservation. Without updated legislation, the country struggles to effectively penalize poachers and regulate the trade of threatened animals.
The appeal coincided with World Biodiversity Day on May 22, 2026 [2]. The NCF said that the bill is necessary to strengthen the legal framework used to combat wildlife crimes across the country [1].
Joseph Onoja, Director-General of the Nigeria Conservation Foundation, said the proposed Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2025, is imperative and critical to strengthening Nigeria’s legal framework against wildlife crimes [1].
According to a statement from the NCF, the legislation would provide stronger legal backing to prosecute offenders and regulate wildlife trade [3]. The foundation said the bill would also serve to deter the exploitation of threatened species [3].
Conservationists argue that current laws are insufficient to handle the complexities of modern wildlife trafficking. The NCF said the bill is a vital step in ensuring that those who profit from the illegal trade of endangered species face significant legal consequences [3].
In a formal call to action, the NCF said, "We call on President Bola Tinubu to urgently sign the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2025" [4].
“The bill would provide stronger legal backing to prosecute offenders, regulate wildlife trade, and deter exploitation of threatened species.”
The push for this legislation highlights a critical gap in Nigeria's environmental governance. By transitioning from outdated regulations to a dedicated 2025 bill, the government could shift from reactive monitoring to proactive prosecution, potentially reducing the country's role as a transit point for illegal wildlife trafficking.
