Nigeria’s Minister of State for Environment, Iziaq Salako, has raised alarms over the drastic decline in the country’s elephant population, which has plummeted by 86 percent in the last three decades. The current population is estimated to be around 400 elephants, a number that could decline further if urgent actions are not taken.
Salako emphasized the critical role elephants play as ecosystem engineers, contributing to forest health, seed dispersal, and biodiversity, while also enhancing eco-tourism. He highlighted the grave threat faced by Nigeria’s elephant population, particularly the small, isolated groups of forest elephants, which reproduce at a slower rate than savanna elephants and are more vulnerable to poaching.
Speaking at the launch of Nigeria’s National Elephant Action Plan (NEAP) in Abuja, Salako stressed the urgency of reversing the decline, especially in light of recent incidents involving the capture and killing of elephants in various parts of the country. He noted that these threats are compounded by habitat loss, human-wildlife conflicts, and continued poaching.
The NEAP, according to Salako, is a strategic tool designed to plan and monitor conservation efforts, providing a framework for the coordinated actions of government institutions, donor agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders. The plan is intended to adapt to emerging threats and opportunities, focusing on habitat protection, anti-poaching efforts, community engagement, and sustainable management practices. The goal is to foster a harmonious coexistence between humans and elephants, ensuring the survival of both.
Mahmud Kambari, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, also spoke at the event, describing the elephant action plan as a testament to the government’s commitment to protecting this iconic species. He underscored the collaborative nature of the plan, which brings together government agencies, conservation organizations, local communities, and international partners to achieve a shared goal of a sustainable future where humans and wildlife coexist peacefully.
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