Group Seeks Stronger Protection of Parrots in Nigeria

Wild Africa and World Parrot Trust urge for stronger protections for parrots in Nigeria amid ongoing illegal trade. Recent efforts by Nigerian authorities have seen interceptions of trafficked parrots, yet more public awareness and legislative action are necessary. They emphasize the ecological importance of parrots and advocate for the swift passage of protective laws.

As the world marks World Parrot Day, Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust have issued a clarion call for enhanced protection of parrots in Nigeria. This joint statement, released on Saturday in Lagos, highlights an urgent plea to address the ongoing illegal trade threatening various parrot species.

The statement emphasizes the ecological importance of parrots, saying they play a significant role in maintaining forest health through seed dispersal and forest regeneration. Particularly, the African Grey Parrot, which was once plentiful in Nigerian forests, is now rapidly vanishing due to years of trapping and trafficking.

The organizations pointed out that despite both national and international legislation meant to protect parrots, enforcement issues and the exotic pet trade persist, exacerbating the illegal activities. Alarmingly, statistics reveal that more than 1.2 million wild-caught grey parrots have entered international markets over the past forty years, with 40 to 60 percent dying during capture and transport.

In a more hopeful development, Nigeria has made strides against the illegal parrot trade in recent months. According to their report, the Nigeria Customs Service apprehended over 300 parrot heads in March 2025, raising significant awareness about the issue. Additionally, in early May, three suspected wildlife traffickers were arrested in Abuja after being found with live African grey parrots.

Moreover, in April, Wildlife Officers managed to rescue 12 live grey parrots from a bus transport between Kaduna and Lagos, with efforts now focused on rehabilitating them at Pandrillus Nigeria Drill Ranch. Dr. Mark Ofua, the spokesperson for Wild Africa, underscored that parrots are keystone species critical for the health of their ecosystems, urging for concerted protection efforts.

Dr. Ofua stated, “Parrots are more than just brilliant colours and clever mimicry—they are vital ambassadors of our planet’s wild places. On World Parrot Day, let’s honour their intelligence and resilience,” advocating for the preservation of their natural habitats.

Adding further insight, Mr. Ifeanyi Ezenwa, Nigeria’s Country Coordinator for the World Parrot Trust, stressed that the plight of grey parrots in Nigeria is dire. He acknowledged the efforts of various agencies to combat illegal trade but noted that public awareness remains low regarding the severe exploitation of these birds.

The groups have recognized Nigeria’s recent legislative initiatives, like the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, as significant steps forward. They are urging for swift passage of this bill to strengthen law enforcement actions.

Furthermore, calls were made for improved public education to curb the demand for parrots as pets. Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust plan to advocate for stronger conservation policies through various media channels, emphasizing the need for collaboration among governments, businesses, and communities to safeguard parrots before it is too late.

The growing concerns regarding the illegal trade of parrots in Nigeria have prompted Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust to call for urgent protective measures. Despite some recent successes in the fight against trafficking, much work remains in public awareness and legislation. Both organizations are determined to advocate for change to ensure the survival of Nigeria’s parrot populations.

Original Source: nannews.ng