The National Elephant Action Plan (NEAP) was recently introduced by the Federal Government in Nigeria as a proactive measure to prevent elephant extinction. This initiative, a joint effort between the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and The Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI), aims to address this issue over a span of 10 years (2024-2034). The launch took place in Abuja, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts and diligent follow-up to ensure the successful implementation of the plan.
During his keynote speech, Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Environment, emphasised the importance of the NEAP launch as a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding its natural assets, such as wildlife. This initiative aims not only to preserve biodiversity for the benefit of both the environment and people but also to promote long-term Economic Growth in a sustainable manner. In alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiative to harness natural resources for long-term growth, NEAP has been developed as a key component for organising and overseeing efforts in preservation.
Collaboration is needed in areas where those animals live.
This program aims to not only plan and track conservation measures but also to establish a structure for guiding strategies and decision-making processes. According to Salako, this plan will offer a vital strategic foundation for organising the various entities participating in the conservation and management, including governmental bodies. Together, organisations, private businesses, and the people who reside in areas where elephants live are all essential components in protecting these creatures. The goal is to continuously adapt strategies to combat emerging threats, overcome obstacles, and take advantage of new prospects.
In addition, the focus will be on safeguarding natural habitats, implementing effective anti-poaching initiatives, involving local communities, as well as promoting sustainable management methods. Ultimately, the aim is to establish a balanced relationship between humans and elephants, allowing both species to prosper harmoniously. This NEAP launch serves as a crucial moment for the country, urging both government officials and citizens to take proactive measures. Nigeria’s efforts to safeguard its dwindling elephant population are commendable, he emphasised.
Nigeria’s elephant population has decreased by 99%.
Andrew Dunn, the Country Director of WCS Nigeria, during his remark, pointed out that Nigeria is unique in Africa for having both savanna and Forest elephants. He mentioned that Nigeria has seen a significant decline in its population over the past 30 years, dropping from 1500 to only an estimated 300 – 400 currently. This figure includes about 100 savanna elephants and 200 – 300 forest elephants. According to him, Nigeria’s elephant population has decreased by 99%; it has now been restricted to just 10 locations in the country.
He mentioned that the goal of the project is to secure their existence in Nigeria by minimising illegal hunting and trading through coordinated state and federal wildlife regulations and improved enforcement, preserving the habitats by implementing land management strategies and establishing wildlife pathways to prevent conflicts with local communities, raising public consciousness and promoting economic opportunities from tourism, advancing scientific research for more effective planning, and fostering collaboration with neighbouring nations to bolster conservation efforts.
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Sharon Ikeazor, who previously served as Minister of State for Environment and currently chairs the EPI Leadership Council, highlighted the importance of utilising Education and public awareness to cultivate a conservation mindset. This shift in mindset is crucial for achieving the goals of the action plan and minimising conflicts between humans and elephants. Furthermore, Wilson Ogoke, representing Africa Nature Investor (ANI) leader Tunde Morakinyo, emphasised the importance of stakeholder support for the successful implementation of conservation efforts to secure the long-term survival of Nigeria’s elephants.