The Nigerian government has been urged to expedite action on the proposed bill and the review of existing legislation to strengthen the protection and conservation of pangolins, widely regarded as the world’s most trafficked mammals.
Wild Africa made the call in a statement to mark the 2026 World Pangolin Day on February 21, stressing the urgency of updating national laws to safeguard the mammals, which are on the verge of extinction.
The organisation noted that although pangolins are protected by national and international laws — including the 2016 ban on international commercial trade under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) — they continue to face extinction due to high demand for their scales and meat. Their scales are widely used in parts of Asia for traditional medicine, while their meat is considered a delicacy.
Wild Africa observed that Nigeria has become a key global exporter and a significant source of pangolin scales for Asian markets, accounting for about 55 per cent of global pangolin scale seizures between 2016 and 2019.
“Nigeria is a custodian of precious biodiversity, but our pangolins are being trafficked into extinction. This World Pangolin Day, let’s make history for the right reasons,” said Dr. Mark Ofua, Wild Africa’s West Africa spokesperson.
“The speedy passage of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill is the game-changer that will cement Nigeria’s commitment to conservation and secure a future for these unique creatures that our country is blessed with,” he added.
It was further reported that more than half a million pangolins — an estimated 530,978 individuals — were involved in 2,222 illegal trade seizures between 2016 and 2024, with pangolin scales accounting for 99 per cent of all confiscated parts.
A new global report titled Conservation Status, Trade and Enforcement Efforts for Pangolins, released at the end of 2025, provides the most up-to-date review of pangolin conservation status and trends in both legal and illegal trade.
The report was prepared by experts from the IUCN Species Survival Commission Pangolin Specialist Group for the CITES Secretariat, using information submitted by 32 CITES Parties, including 15 pangolin-range states. It revealed that demand for pangolin scales and meat continues to drive exploitation across Africa despite international trade bans, underscoring the need for stronger protection measures, improved population monitoring, and effective engagement with local communities.
Nigeria has taken notable steps to combat illegal pangolin trade through legislative and enforcement measures. In early 2024, the country introduced the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, which proposes stiffer penalties for trafficking in illegal wildlife products such as pangolin scales. The bill is currently awaiting final presidential assent.
West African governments and the IUCN Species Survival Commission have also launched the first-ever West Africa Regional Pangolin Conservation Action Plan (2026–2056) to coordinate protection, monitoring, and community engagement across several range states.
Enforcement efforts have also intensified. In December 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) arrested a suspected pangolin scale broker and confiscated 2.179 tonnes of pangolin scales, representing approximately 1,100 pangolins. Since July 2021, the NCS and its partners have carried out 16 operations, resulting in 35 arrests and 12 convictions, with a total seizure of 21.582 tonnes of pangolin scales.
Peter Knights OBE, CEO of Wild Africa, said: “With few natural predators and slow reproduction rates, pangolins cannot sustain human exploitation. Recent changes to reduce the use of scales in China should help, but we need more public awareness and stronger enforcement in Africa if they are to survive.”
Pangolins remain understudied and underprotected, and time is running out to save them. World Pangolin Day highlights the urgent need for governments, conservation organisations, and communities to scale up efforts to protect pangolins and prevent the loss of one of the world’s most extraordinary animals.
Reporting By Innocent Onoh