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By Newz.Africa Conservation Desk | Lagos, Nigeria | 22 January 2026 | Nigeria illegal logging and poaching plan.
Nigeria has increased efforts to curb illegal logging and poaching. Authorities and conservation partners are rolling out a strategy. The strategy combines tougher enforcement with community-based solutions.
The approach is part of Nigeria’s National Strategy to Combat Wildlife and Forest Crime. This strategy runs until 2026. It comes as the country grapples with severe deforestation and rising wildlife trafficking.
Nigeria has lost an estimated 96 percent of its original forest cover. Conservation groups report that this is driven largely by illegal timber harvesting, poaching, and farming expansion. Additionally, there is weak enforcement in protected areas.
Nigeria’s strategy to combat illegal logging and poaching
The plan’s most visible elements include recruiting former illegal loggers and poachers. They are becoming forest rangers. Africa Nature Investors is an NGO working in parks such as Okomu National Park in Edo State. This organization collaborates with Nigeria’s National Parks Service. This organization has trained former offenders to patrol forests. They also enforce conservation laws.
Since taking over park management in 2022, rangers trained under the programme have reportedly made around 200 arrests. Illegal activity is showing a downward trend. Conservationists say the strategy recognises that poverty and unemployment remain key drivers of environmental crime in rural areas.
Nigeria’s forest crime laws and enforcement plans
The Federal Ministry of Environment, at the national level, is implementing a five-year framework. This framework was developed with support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The strategy focuses on illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and organised forest crime. It pays particular attention to high-value timber species, ivory, and pangolin scales.
Measures involve strengthening investigations. They also include improving coordination between customs, police, and forestry officials. Additionally, closing gaps in wildlife legislation is necessary. These gaps have limited prosecutions in the past. Nigeria has also adopted a wildlife and forest crime analytic toolkit. This toolkit is designed to help authorities identify weaknesses in the criminal justice system. It also aids in prioritising enforcement action.
Community livelihoods and conservation in Nigeria
Officials and NGOs argue that enforcement alone is insufficient without alternative livelihoods for forest-dependent communities. Programmes linked to the strategy include ranger recruitment, microfinance, and skills training. Community development projects aim to reduce reliance on illegal logging and poaching.
Nigeria is a major transit hub for illegal wildlife products, including ivory and pangolin scales destined for international markets. Previous seizures by customs authorities have highlighted the scale of the trade.
Challenges facing Nigeria’s forest protection efforts
Despite the new measures, challenges remain.
Rangers and environmental groups have warned about lax enforcement at the state level. Corruption and limited resources continue to undermine forest protection in some regions. In reserves such as Omo Forest, conservationists say illegal logging continues. This is due to weak oversight. There is also inconsistent replanting of harvested areas. Environmental experts stress that long-term success will depend on sustained political will. Legal reform is essential. Additional funding beyond the current strategy period is necessary.
Original reporting
What was confirmed
- Nigeria is implementing a national strategy to combat wildlife and forest crime through 2026.
- The strategy includes recruiting former poachers and loggers as rangers, enhanced enforcement and community livelihood support.
Documents reviewed
Sources
- Africa News: Nigeria’s strategy to combat illegal logging and poaching [africanews.com]
- UNODC: National Strategy to Combat Wildlife and Forest Crime in Nigeria 2022–2026
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