Wild Africa, an organization advocating for wildlife protection, has called for stricter penalties against wildlife crimes in Nigeria, particularly in the trafficking of pangolins. The appeal was made in a statement issued on Saturday as Nigeria joined the rest of the world in celebrating this year’s World Pangolin Day.
According to Wild Africa, Nigeria has become a major hub for the illegal trade of pangolin scales, primarily supplying markets in Asia. The organization cited data linking Nigeria to 55% of pangolin scales seized globally between 2016 and 2019, reinforcing its call for urgent action to combat wildlife trafficking.
Despite national and international legal protections, including a 2016 ban on international commercial trade, pangolins remain the world’s most trafficked mammal due to the high demand for their scales in traditional medicine and their meat as a delicacy.
Wild Africa’s West Africa spokesperson, Dr. Mark Ofua, emphasized the need for Nigeria to transition from a trafficking hub to a leader in pangolin conservation. “It is not too late to change the narrative and make Nigeria one of Africa’s strongest protectors of pangolins. This is our collective responsibility,” he stated.
The organization has been actively raising awareness through various media channels, including radio, television, billboards, and public service announcements featuring prominent Nigerian ambassadors like 2Baba, Emanuella, and Ali Baba.
Nigeria has also taken legislative steps to address the issue. In early 2024, the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill was introduced and recently passed its second reading. If enacted, this law would impose harsher penalties for trafficking in illegal wildlife products, including pangolin scales, to deter criminal activity.
Enforcement efforts have also increased. In December 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) arrested a suspected pangolin scale broker and seized 2.179 tonnes of pangolin scales, representing approximately 1,100 pangolins. Since July 2021, NCS and its partners have conducted 16 operations, leading to 35 arrests and 12 convictions, with a total seizure of 21,582 tonnes of pangolin scales.
Internationally, conservation efforts are also gaining traction. At the 78th Meeting of the UN CITES Standing Committee in February 2025, China proposed a 90% reduction in pharmaceutical and hospital use of pangolin scales by 2026, with an overall 50% decrease in medicinal use. While this marks progress, experts remain concerned that even a 1-ton quota could continue to fuel illegal trafficking.
Peter Knights, CEO of Wild Africa, urged China to phase out pangolin scales entirely, stating, “There are many alternatives in traditional medicine, and the source of these scales has never been transparent. Stronger law enforcement and greater awareness are needed to keep pangolins off illegal bushmeat markets.”
Wild Africa has called on Nigerians to report illegal wildlife trade activities and support conservation efforts to prevent pangolins from becoming extinct. The organization reiterated that pangolins remain critically underprotected and require immediate global attention and action.
