The Federal Government, in collaboration with conservationists, has launched a comprehensive strategy to safeguard Nigeria’s dwindling elephant population. The National Elephant Action Plan (NEAP), which was unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja, outlines a 10-year framework (2024-2034) aimed at ensuring the long-term survival of elephants in the country.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Environment, introduced the NEAP, emphasizing its role as a crucial tool for planning and monitoring conservation efforts. He highlighted that the plan would guide the strategies and decision-making processes of government institutions, donor agencies, and NGOs involved in wildlife protection.
Salako pointed out the alarming decline in Nigeria’s elephant population, which has dropped by 86% over the past 30 years, leaving only about 400 elephants as of 2021. He stressed the urgency of the NEAP, given recent incidents of elephant captures and killings in 2023, alongside ongoing threats such as habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching.
Sharon Ikeazor, former Minister of State for Environment and Chairperson of the Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) Leadership Council, underscored the importance of fostering a culture of conservation. She noted that protecting elephants not only preserves an iconic species but also enhances the economic benefits for communities living near elephant habitats.
Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, praised the NEAP as a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding elephants. He reiterated the government’s dedication to a sustainable future where humans and wildlife coexist peacefully.
Andrew Dunn, Country Director for the Wildlife Conservation Society of Nigeria (WCS), echoed the need for a shift in attitudes and approaches at all levels of government to protect Nigeria’s last remaining elephants by 2034. He emphasized that the success of the NEAP would require more than just financial resources—it would demand a significant cultural and policy shift.
