The Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently sign the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill 2025 into law amid growing concerns over the rapid destruction of Nigeria’s wildlife and natural ecosystems.
The appeal was made in a statement released to mark this year’s World Biodiversity Day, celebrated globally on May 22.
According to the conservation group, the proposed law is important for strengthening Nigeria’s fight against illegal wildlife trade, environmental crimes and the growing extinction threat facing several plant and animal species across the country.
NCF warned that Nigeria’s forests, wetlands and coastal ecosystems are deteriorating at an alarming rate due to deforestation, pollution, climate change and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.
Although Nigeria is regarded as one of Africa’s most biologically diverse countries, conservation experts say the nation has already lost over 90 per cent of its original forest cover.
The organisation stressed that biodiversity loss is no longer just an environmental issue but a growing threat to food security, water supply, public health and livelihoods.
Speaking on the situation, NCF Director-General Joseph Onoja said the crisis is already affecting communities across Nigeria and requires urgent action from both government and citizens.
He explained that Nigeria’s revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan aims to stop biodiversity loss by 2030 while protecting at least 30 per cent of the country’s land and water ecosystems.
The plan also seeks to tackle pollution, illegal harvesting of natural resources and invasive species while promoting environmental restoration and sustainable development.
However, NCF noted that conservation efforts in Nigeria remain poorly funded and are often ignored in major economic planning and development decisions.
The organisation said it would continue partnering with communities, government agencies and private organisations to protect endangered ecosystems, strengthen enforcement against illegal wildlife activities and restore damaged environments.
NCF also urged Nigerians to support conservation by avoiding illegal wildlife consumption, discouraging animal cruelty content online and embracing more environmentally friendly lifestyles.
Environmental experts warn that without stronger protection laws and urgent action, Nigeria could lose more valuable wildlife species and ecosystems in the coming years.
Source: Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF)
