NESREA Honours Lagos Chief for Saving Endangered Sea Turtle

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has honoured the Baale of Okun Igando, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Hon. Chief Semiu Waliu Jejelaiye, for preventing the killing of an endangered leatherback sea turtle and ensuring its safe return to its natural habitat.

The Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, presented an award of commendation to Jejelaiye and Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative on Wednesday, describing their intervention as an act of environmental heroism worthy of emulation by communities across the country.

The turtle was rescued after fishermen caught it, with the traditional ruler reportedly intervening to prevent community members from killing the animal while awaiting the arrival of the wildlife conservation organisation.

Commending the Baale, Barikor said the community’s response demonstrated the critical role local leaders and residents could play in protecting endangered species and preserving Nigeria’s biodiversity.

“We are here to honour you and your community for this act and to tell you that we will use this community as a point of action in advocacy on endangered species,” the NESREA chief said.

In a letter of commendation, the agency praised Jejelaiye for mobilising community members, safeguarding the animal, preventing its exploitation and promptly notifying the relevant environmental authorities to facilitate its proper handling and release.

NESREA also recognised Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for its swift response, technical expertise, humane handling of the turtle and commitment to wildlife sensitisation and conservation advocacy.

The leatherback sea turtle, the largest living sea turtle species, is protected under Nigeria’s National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations and listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which imposes strict controls on international commercial trade in listed species.

Presenting the awards, Barikor stressed that protecting wildlife was central to NESREA’s mandate, warning that the extinction of animal species could disrupt ecosystems and create wider environmental challenges.

He urged communities to support biodiversity conservation, adding that the recognition of the Okun Igando traditional ruler and the wildlife organisation was intended to encourage similar interventions and strengthen public awareness of the need to protect endangered animals.

The agency’s recognition of the rescue underscores the importance of community participation in wildlife protection, particularly in coastal areas where interactions between fishing activities and marine animals can expose vulnerable species to harm.