Nigeria’s new wildlife protection law and its wider implications

A silent crisis for Nigeria’s wildlife has been brewing for years. Pangolins disappeared from the forests. Elephants became victims. Protected wildlife species were turned into international market commodities. The lesser sentence imposed by the court allows traffickers to treat it as a cost of doing business. However, this is finally changing. New wildlife protection legislation recognizes environmental crimes as serious offences. This chapter examines what the new law thinks about why and how it could redefine protection and enforcement across the country.

What exactly is in the new law?

Here are some of the key changes brought about by the bill:

• Severe Penalties: Wildlife traffickers can now be jailed for a maximum of 10 years and fined up to $12 million. This is quite a leap from the previous laws, which were far more lenient on penalties.
• Strong investigative options: Investigators will be able to trace financial flows associated with wildlife crime. It empowers authorities to conduct intelligence-led operations.
• Fast Track Justice: Judges are empowered to expedite cases related to wildlife. The law also allows for asset recovery, so proceeds from illegal wildlife trade can be confiscated.
• International Cooperation: Aligns with the global agreement, thus facilitating international implementation. The law would allow the extradition of suspects. This is a critical need as wildlife crime is firmly entrenched in international networks.
• Extension of environmental protections: The bill outlaws the pollution of wildlife habitat and prohibits the consumption of endangered species, thereby restricting habitat protection.

Why this law could really be a game changer for Nigeria

This law affects Nigeria in many ways:

• Tackling Organized Wildlife Crime: For years, Nigeria has always been considered a hotspot for ivory, pangolins and trafficked wildlife. The new law strikes at the financial backbone of these criminal networks to make trafficking less profitable. When you can freeze money, seize assets, and prosecute intelligently, it can change the risk-aversion balance for traffickers.
• Enhancing our reputation globally: The new law sends a message that Nigeria is serious about wildlife. Historical legislation is what local and international conservationists call it. When laws are aligned with international norms, opportunities for partnership, intelligence sharing, and joint enforcement with other countries become possible.
• Empowering local communities: Wildlife conservation is good for wildlife, but people also benefit from wildlife conservation. Over time, protected forests and wildlife reserves can set the stage for ecotourism, community ranger programs and green jobs. But for that to happen, communities have to be part of the picture. Disadvantaged people who depend on forests for food, fuel or income will need to be given alternatives.
• Strengthening Institutions: It is a real mandate bill from the perspective of the agencies including the NICE, Customs and Environmental Task Forces. But these agencies will need training, funding and coordination. The law is strong. Now it is left to these institutions to catch up.

Risks, challenges, and what can go wrong

Legislation is only the first step. Here are some of the real-world dangers that can hinder the effective application of the law.

• Underfunding: A good law without a special budget for wildlife enforcement is inevitably just a great law on paper.
• Corruption and weak enforcement: Investigative powers are useless unless corruption is dealt with, and agencies can actually use intelligence operations very well.
• Community Response: People who depend on forests for food, fuel or income may feel threatened. If the law is not implemented with sensitivity and support, it can alienate key stakeholders.
• Judicial Capacity: Cases will only be resolved if judges and prosecutors are prepared.
• Cross-Border Enforcement: Smuggling networks do not stop at Nigeria’s borders. Effective implementation comes with genuine international cooperation on the ground.

What must happen next for the law to work?

There are some actionable steps to ensure that the law not only exists but also affects real change.

• Presidential Consensus: The bill is now on President Tinubu’s desk. Conservation groups, civil societies and citizens should continue to press him to give his consent quickly so that implementation can begin.
• Allocate dedicated funds: The government must allocate money for wildlife enforcement. This funding will be needed for law enforcement, intelligence operations, and capacity building.
• Support community-driven conservation: The government should fund programs that provide real alternatives to communities (ecotourism, forest-based enterprises) and involve local people in conservation planning. Empower them as rangers or monitors.
• Train Law Enforcement Agencies and Judiciary: Build capacity in Customs, Nasseria, and Task Forces to track financial crimes. Train prosecutors and judges on effective handling of wildlife cases.
• Strengthening Regional Partnerships: Work closely with neighboring African countries on joint investigations. Use extradition clauses in law to cooperate with destination countries where trafficked wildlife ends up.
• Measure the transparency effect: Set up a public dashboard: track arrests, prosecutions, asset recoveries, and wildlife visits. Monitor civil society implementation and report where things are working or failing.

Why this new law matters to Nigerians

It may seem like this law has nothing to do with the average Nigerian, but it doesn’t, and here’s why:

• Economy: Better conservation of forest life can mean the development of ecotourism, which will generate employment and sustainable income for rural areas.
• Security: Fighting the illegal wildlife trade is fighting international crime. This law helps to wean some branches away from criminal networks.
• Environment: A healthy ecosystem means cleaner air, cleaner water, and greater resistance to climate shocks.
• Identity and Legacy: Nigeria is not devoid of biodiversity. This law makes our forests, savannas and beaches unique for future generations.

The result

Nigeria’s new wildlife protection legislation could indeed be a turning point. With cross-border cooperation, smart implementation and engagement at the community level, it can turn the tide against trafficking networks and reduce endangered species while creating green economic opportunities.

This is a moment for all of us: citizens, government and NGOs to celebrate “victory in Parliament”. But more importantly, ensure that the law works where it really matters: in our forests, along our borders and in the lives of the people who live alongside forest life in Nigeria.