Fitting the Bill

NIGERIAN SENATE APPROVES STRICTER PENALTIES FOR WILDLIFE CRIME

Conservation organisations are welcoming the news announced today, on 29th October 2025, that the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill has been successfully approved by the Nigerian Senate and will now be forwarded to the President for his assent - hopefully in time for the meeting of the UN Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species, Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Uzbekistan in November.

Nigeria is a major hub of the illegal wildlife trade and this Bill, passed by the House of Representatives in May 2025, updates existing wildlife laws, increasing penalties for wildlife crimes (including fines of up to 12 million naira and jail terms of up to 10 years for ivory, pangolin scales and other wildlife trafficking). The law also prohibits pollution of wildlife habitat and the eating of endangered wildlife and it gives police, customs officials and investigators greater powers with judges being able to seize assets, expedite cases and allow extradition of offenders.

"This is a huge win for Nigeria, and it shows, without any doubt, that we remain committed to stamping out wildlife trafficking and protecting our unique fauna and flora," said Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, the bill's sponsor, Hon. Terseer Ugbor.

"Stronger laws mean Nigeria's forests and wildlife will now be protected from exploitation and criminal activities. We are proud to see this bill move forward because protecting wildlife is tantamount to safeguarding our environment and our future."