The Senate has passed the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024, marking a major step in Nigeria’s efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, illegal trade, and habitat destruction.
The passage followed the consideration of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2025 (HB. 1085) for concurrence, presented by the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC–Ekiti Central).
With its third reading completed, the bill will now be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent, setting the stage for tougher enforcement and stiffer penalties against wildlife crimes across the country.
Originally passed by the House of Representatives in May 2025, the legislation strengthens Nigeria’s existing wildlife laws by increasing fines and prison terms for offenders, expanding investigative powers, and empowering judges to fast-track wildlife-related cases and confiscate proceeds from crime.
The bill also aligns Nigeria’s conservation framework with international treaties, facilitating cross-border cooperation and enabling the extradition of suspects involved in organized wildlife trafficking networks.
Over the past decade, Nigeria has become a major transit hub for the illegal export of ivory and pangolin scales, particularly to Asian markets. Reports link the country to the smuggling of more than 30 tonnes of ivory since 2015 and over half of the pangolin scales trafficked globally between 2016 and 2019.
Environmental groups have lauded the Senate’s action, describing it as a critical milestone in the nation’s commitment to protecting endangered species and dismantling criminal wildlife syndicates.
They noted that once signed into law, the legislation will position Nigeria as a regional leader in wildlife conservation and the fight against environmental crimes.
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