Wild Africa, a wildlife conservation organisation, has stated that Nigeria’s iconic species require substantial investment in conservation to ensure their protection.
This is contained in a statement signed by Festus Iyorah, Nigeria’s Representative at Wild Africa, on the occasion of World Wildlife Day 2025, marked on Monday, March 3, in Lagos.
Iyorah called on the Nigerian government, the private sector, and conservation organisations to increase their support for wildlife conservation initiatives to preserve the country’s iconic species.
According to him, the 2025 theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet”, reflects the role of innovative funding in protecting biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for both nature and humanity.
Citing the 2024 Living Planet Report, Iyorah noted that Africa’s wildlife populations have declined by an alarming 76 per cent over the past 50 years.
“In Nigeria, the situation is dire, with several species, such as lions, elephants, chimpanzees, and gorillas, on the brink of extinction.
“For example, the country’s elephant population has declined by 99 per cent, with only about 300–400 elephants surviving in the wild,” Iyorah said.
He stressed that without immediate investment in conservation, species loss would accelerate, leading to devastating consequences, not only for nature but also for economies that depend on natural resources.
“The stakes are high. In Africa, 80 per cent of tourists visit the continent for its wildlife, fuelling the ecotourism industry, which generates $12.4 billion annually and sustains local economies and communities.
“In countries like Kenya, wildlife tourism accounts for 10.4 per cent of the GDP, employing millions of people and generating $2.7 billion for the country in 2023.
“In Nigeria, the travel and tourism sector’s contribution to GDP is projected to grow at an average rate of 5.4 per cent between 2022 and 2032, underscoring its significant potential to drive economic growth,” Iyorah said.
He added that the sector is expected to create 2.6 million new jobs over the next decade and generate nearly ₦12.3 trillion ($8.2 billion) by 2032.
Iyorah emphasised that the sustainable management of natural resources, alongside the preservation of wildlife and wild spaces, is essential to fostering a profitable wildlife economy with further growth potential.
He quoted Dr Mark Ofua, Wild Africa’s West Africa Spokesperson, as saying: “Conservation is a symphony, and all hands must be on deck.
“Businesses must see conservation efforts as their corporate social responsibility, working with governments, conservation organisations, and individuals.
“Together, we can harmonise our efforts, mobilise resources, and create a resilient future for our planet’s precious biodiversity.”
Iyorah noted that Wild Africa is leveraging a combination of radio, TV, billboards, newspaper publications, and public service announcements (PSAs) to promote and protect Nigeria’s wildlife and wild spaces.
He added that the media campaign features influential Nigerian ambassadors, such as 2Baba and Nela Duke Ekpenyong, to highlight Nigeria’s wildlife tourism potential and the need to protect the country’s wildlife and wild spaces.
Iyorah also quoted Peter Knights, Chief Executive Officer of Wild Africa, as saying: “Without nature, we will not survive.
“Whether it’s countering our carbon footprints, safeguarding our watersheds, maintaining jobs in tourism, or keeping fishing at sustainable levels.
“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.”
Iyorah urged the Nigerian public to participate in sustainable ecotourism by visiting national parks and supporting local conservation organisations through donations or volunteering as part of the activities to mark the day.
By Fabian Ekeruche