Nigeria's Parliament has passed a new law to protect endangered wildlife from illegal trafficking.
Once signed into law, offenders will face fines of up to 12 million naira ($8,300) and up to 10 years in prison for trafficking products from threatened species, including elephant ivory and pangolin scales.
The bill is hailed as one of the toughest legal deterrents to wildlife crime in West Africa.
Experts warn that without strong enforcement, the law may not be effective. The Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill 2024 aligns Nigeria with international conservation agreements, including CITES.
Author's summary: Nigeria passes tough wildlife law.