Wildlife NGO calls for more protection of elephants in Nigeria

Wild Africa, a global non-governmental organisation, has called for better protection of elephants in Nigeria.

In a statement on Monday by Festus Iyorah, Wild Africa’s Nigeria representative, to mark World Elephant Day, the organisation said the animal faces growing threats to its survival in Nigeria.

The NGO added that over the past 30 years, the population of elephants has declined from an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 two decades ago to about 300 to 400 individuals today.

Wild Africa commended Nigeria’s first-ever National Elephant Action Plan (NEAP) for 2024-2034 and the Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF).

The organisation further noted that the first-ever National Elephant Action Plan and the new Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill are a good start, adding that if implemented, the plan will reduce the dramatic rate of decline by boosting monitoring while combating illegal ivory trade through harmonised state and federal wildlife law enforcement.

“On World Elephant Day, we acknowledge how sad it is that we are losing these majestic animals that once roamed freely across our savannas and forests,” Mark Ofua, Wild Africa’s West Africa representative, said.

“Poaching for ivory and habitat destruction have reduced their population and are pushing them to the brink of local extinction in Nigeria. But if implemented, the National Plan should stabilise their numbers.”

Ofua said habitat loss can lead to human-elephant conflict, which occurs when people clash with elephants due to crop raiding or property damage.

Elephants are predominantly found within or near protected areas in Nigeria, with only 10% residing outside of these spaces. Two species of elephants — savannas and forests — are found in Nigeria, with the largest herd – about 100 individuals – in Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi state. Elephants also exist across several sites in the southern region, including Cross River National Park.

Wild Africa said it has been actively supporting the federal government’s efforts to fight illegal wildlife trafficking and improve its wildlife laws through the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill alongside the Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), with support from the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, and the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.

The bill passed its second reading in May at the house of representatives. It is scheduled for a public hearing and, later, a third reading.

“Were Nigeria to lose its elephants, it would be tragic and harmful to the opportunity to develop wildlife-related tourism. Passing the new Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill,
currently awaiting hearings, would be the first step to ensure this doesn’t happen,” Peter Knights, Wild Africa CEO, said.