Nigeria is urged to increase support for wildlife conservation as iconic species face extinction threats. World Wildlife Day calls for urgent action

As Nigeria joins the global community in celebrating World Wildlife Day, experts are calling for increased investment in wildlife conservation efforts.

Also read: World Elephant Day: Wild Africa urges better elephant protection in Nigeria

This year’s World Wildlife Day, observed annually on March 3, draws attention to the richness of global biodiversity and the challenges faced by wildlife across the globe.

With the theme *“Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,”* the focus is on the essential role of innovative funding to protect species and secure a sustainable future.

In a statement marking the occasion, Wild Africa, a leading wildlife conservation organisation, highlighted the urgency of the situation in Nigeria.

The 2024 *Living Planet Report* revealed that Africa’s wildlife populations have declined by an alarming 76% over the last five decades, with Nigeria facing an even more dire situation. Several iconic species, including lions, elephants, chimpanzees, and gorillas, are teetering on the brink of extinction.

Wild Africa’s statement emphasized the alarming decline of Nigeria’s elephant population, which has plummeted by 99%, with only about 300 to 400 elephants remaining in the wild.

Without immediate and substantial investment in conservation, experts warn that the loss of species will accelerate, leading to severe consequences for both the environment and the economy.

The statement further stressed the economic potential of wildlife conservation. Across Africa, 80% of tourists visit for the region’s wildlife, generating significant revenue for local economies.

In Kenya, for example, wildlife tourism accounted for 10.4% of the country’s GDP in 2023, contributing $2.7 billion. In Nigeria, the tourism sector is expected to grow at an average rate of 5.4% annually from 2022 to 2032, creating 2.6 million new jobs and generating approximately ₦12.3 trillion ($8.2bn) by 2032.

According to Wild Africa, sustainable management of natural resources is critical to fostering a profitable wildlife economy. Investment in the sector, alongside collaboration between the Nigerian government, the private sector, and conservation groups, could lead to substantial economic growth and job creation.

Dr. Mark Ofua, West Africa spokesperson for Wild Africa, emphasised the need for collective action. He described conservation as a “symphony” that requires the involvement of all stakeholders, including businesses, governments, and individuals. “Together, we can harmonise our efforts, mobilise resources, and create a resilient future for our planet’s precious biodiversity,” he said.

To promote wildlife conservation and raise awareness, Wild Africa has launched a multi-channel campaign featuring influential Nigerian figures such as 2Baba and Nela Duke Ekpenyong. The campaign aims to highlight the potential of Nigeria’s wildlife tourism sector and the urgent need to protect its natural heritage.

Peter Knights OBE, CEO of Wild Africa, reiterated the importance of investing in conservation, not just for ecological reasons but also for economic survival. “Without nature, we will not survive,” he said. “Investing in conservation in Africa isn’t charity—it’s a necessity. A world without wildlife is not just an ecological disaster – it’s an economic one, too.”

Wild Africa is calling on Nigerians to support sustainable ecotourism by visiting national parks and contributing to local conservation organisations through donations or volunteer work.