The Wildlife Conservation Organisation Wild Africa has warned that wildlife, especially Lions, Elephants, Gorillas and Chimpanzees, are on the brink of extinction in Nigeria.
In a statement to commemorate World Wildlife Day titled, ‘Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,’ the organisation emphasised the essential role of innovative funding in protecting biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for both nature and humanity.
According to the 2024 Living Planet Report, Africa’s wildlife populations have declined by an alarming 76 per cent over the past 50 years.
The group, however, called on the Nigerian government, the private sector, and conservation organisations to increase their support for wildlife conservation initiatives to preserve Nigeria’s iconic species.
‘’For example, the country’s elephant population has declined by 99 per cent, with only about 300-400 elephants surviving in the wild.
‘’Without immediate investment in conservation, species loss will accelerate, leading to devastating consequences—not only for nature but also for economies that rely on natural resources.
‘’The stakes are high. In Africa, 80 per cent of tourists visit the continent for its wildlife, fueling the ecotourism industry that brings in $12.4 billion annually and sustains local economies and communities. In countries like Kenya, wildlife tourism accounts for 10.4 per cent of Kenya’s GDP, employing millions of people and generating $2.7 billion in 2023.”
“Conservation is a symphony. 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,” said Dr. Mark Ofua, Wild Africa’s West Africa spokesperson.
Peter Knights OBE, CEO of Wild Africa, emphasises, “Without nature, we will not survive whether it’s countering our carbon footprints, safeguarding our watersheds, maintaining jobs in tourism or keeping fishing to sustainable levels. Investing in conservation in Africa is not charity—it’s a necessity. A world without wildlife is not just an ecological disaster – it’s an economic one, too.”
