In this report, DAYO OYEWO writes about how economic hardship and a lack of awareness have fuelled the relentless exploitation of marine wildlife
On January 15, a disturbing video surfaced on social media showing a leatherback sea turtle being dragged from the trunk of a car by two men, assisted by a third. The massive marine creature, likely poached from its natural habitat, appeared exhausted and motionless, seemingly weakened from the ordeal of being lifted into the vehicle and transported over an unknown distance.
The video showed the turtle tightly bound and tied to the trunk as the men struggled to remove it from the car, its sheer size making the task difficult. The handling of the animal appeared rough and careless, raising concerns about its condition and whether it had already succumbed to stress or injury.
For conservationists in Nigeria, the sight was yet another grim reminder of the threats facing the country’s marine wildlife. Leatherback sea turtles, classified as vulnerable globally and facing critical threats in West Africa, continue to suffer from poaching, habitat destruction, and illegal trade.
In a contrasting turn of events, a leatherback turtle was saved from being killed in February 2019 by the founder of Reswaye, Doyinsola Ogunye, at the Elegushi Beach in Lagos after it came ashore. Ogunye ensured that the endangered animal was safely returned to the sea, but this was after attempts by some residents to kill it.
On her Instagram page, she detailed how the men who wanted to kill the turtle initially demanded N500,000 for it, with some even negotiating for N10m. In one of the videos she shared, a man could be heard lamenting that she was depriving them of something valuable for their pots of soup.
Threat to marine species
The frequent butchering and sale of rare marine animals in Nigeria have become a worrying trend, raising serious concerns among conservationists. Whenever special sea creatures such as whales, dolphins, and sea turtles are caught or washed ashore, they are often viewed as an opportunity for quick financial gain rather than as endangered species in need of protection. In many communities, these animals are immediately slaughtered for meat or sold at exorbitant prices, with little regard for their ecological importance.
Many Nigerians are unaware that species like leatherback sea turtles are protected under international laws due to their declining populations. Instead, their appearance is often met with excitement, not for preservation, but for consumption or commercial benefit.
The plight of marine species in Nigeria extends beyond sea turtles. In November 2024, a manatee, also known as a “sea cow,” was caught in the Oworo area of Lagos State. A video seen by our correspondent showed the helpless creature tied up while bystanders appeared unbothered by its desperate attempts to break free and return to the water. Sadly, it was later gathered that the manatee was eventually butchered by its captors.
A similar incident occurred on July 19, 2024, when fishermen in the Odi community, located in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, caught another manatee.
The fully aquatic mammal was captured in the afternoon and met the same tragic fate.
Another unfortunate case happened recently at Obuama River in Rivers State, where two fishermen caught a manatee. And as expected, Nigerians wasted no time in feasting on the animal immediately.
The leatherback sea turtle is the largest turtle in the world. They are the only species of sea turtle that lack scales and a hard shell. They are named for their tough rubbery skin and have existed in their current form since the age of the dinosaurs. They also feed on jelly fish which is harmful to human.
Also, Manatees are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. They are large, fully aquatic, mostly herbivorous marine mammals. They are also considered threatened. Conservationists stress that these gentle creatures play an essential role in maintaining aquatic ecosystems by controlling vegetation growth in their habitats. However, the lack of awareness and enforcement of wildlife protection laws in Nigeria continues to put them in grave danger.
For Bakai Safi, a 70-year-old fisherman in the Okun Ajah area of Lagos State, the act of catching and killing sea animals is more than just a routine, it is a livelihood, a tradition, and a way of life passed down through generations.
Born into a family of fishermen, Safi seemed to have seen it all when it comes to the fishing profession having spent decades navigating the waters, casting his nets in search of fish.
But often, those nets, according to him, capture more than just the intended catch.
Meanwhile, despite growing awareness of the need to protect endangered marine species like leatherback turtles and manatees, Safi explains that for many fishermen in his community, economic survival takes precedence over conservation.
According to him, the sea creatures, highly valued for their meat and eggs, represent a significant source of income for coastal communities struggling to make ends meet.
He said, “Once we go into the sea to catch fish, our net also catches these sea animals, and what we do next is keep them in our canoe and bring them home. It is big money. I have been doing it since I was young. I was born into it. I am 70 years old now, and I do not really go into fishing any longer, but I still see it happening every day.”
Safi acknowledged efforts of the conservationists and government officials who periodically visit to discourage the killing of the marine species. But while awareness campaigns have grown, they have done little to change the harsh economic realities faced by many fishermen.
“We see people who come around to talk to us, saying we should not kill these animals because they are rare. They tell us that these creatures are going extinct. But how does that help us? Will words put food on our tables? It is very hard to do away with this because it is tied to our economic sustenance. If we let them go, what do we eat and survive? I have seen government people come and talk, take pictures, and go. But when they leave, nothing changes for us. We don’t have what it takes to caution people not to kill fish because we are not responsible for their economic survival.”
The practice of killing these animals is deeply ingrained, not just as a means of earning money but also as a part of the local diet. The meat of leatherback turtles, in particular, is considered a delicacy in many coastal communities.
A fisherman’s dilemma
At 61, Olufemi Ayinde has spent a lifetime at sea. A resident of Makoko in Lagos State, he knows the tides, the seasons, and the creatures that swim beneath the surface better than most.
“I have been fishing since I was a child and when we go fishing, we go as far as neighbouring countries. This is our expertise and we know it like the palm of our hands. Sometimes we go in the night and we hear the sounds of fish and how they sound. So we know all the kinds of fish that are in the water and we can tell the position they are. If a whale is around where we are on the water, I can tell you that it is the one because we recognize their voices,” he disclosed with pride.
But for Ayinde, fishing is not just about survival, it is about breaking a cycle. While adjusting the frayed edges of his fishing net during an audience with this reporter, he said he won’t allow his background to determine the future of his children.
“I don’t want my children to live this life. It is hard work, and the sea does not always provide. Some days, we return with full nets; other days, we come back with nothing.”
For decades, Ayinde has relied on the sea to feed his family and send his three children to school. But the reality of his trade is complicated. Among the fish he catches are endangered sea animals, highly sought after in local markets. The leatherback turtles and the threatened manatees that conservationists fight to protect are, to him, a means to an end.
“The big ones fetch good money. People buy them quickly, especially the turtles and manatees. If I sell one, it can cover my children’s school demands and even food for a week. My first child is in the university, while the other two are in secondary school.
“I know they say these animals are special, but my children are special too. If the government really wants us to stop, they should give us another way to make money. Until then, I will do what I must,” he stated firmly.
In January 2025, the conservation and ecology department of the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources organised a series of stakeholders’ meeting on the protection of internationally declared endangered marine.
Led by the Director of the Department, Tolulope Adeyo, the meeting was organized across some coastal communities across the state, sensitizing the residents on the protection of sea turtles and other endangered sea animals.
Adeyo acknowledged the challenges faced by fishermen in their line of work and assured that the state government was actively working on providing the necessary support to ease their difficulties. She emphasised that these measures would offer viable alternatives, ultimately discouraging them from hunting endangered marine species.
UN on marine life
The United Nations made history in June 2023 as its members adopted the first-ever treaty aimed at protecting marine life in the high seas. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres hailed the agreement as a crucial step toward giving the ocean “a fighting chance.”
The landmark agreement, designed to safeguard biodiversity in international waters, covering nearly half of the planet’s surface, has been over two decades in the making. Negotiations had stalled repeatedly, but in March, representatives at an intergovernmental conference established by the U.N. General Assembly in 2017 finally reached a consensus.
The treaty falls under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, which came into effect in 1994, before marine biodiversity became a global priority.
Meanwhile, the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024, has passed its second reading at the National Assembly.
Sponsored by the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Terseer Ugbor, the Bill seeks to tackle pressing challenges such as illegal wildlife trade, conservation of species, and the decline of Nigeria’s precious wildlife and their habitats.
The Bill also aims to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies, grant investigators more powers to look into financial matters and conduct operations guided by intelligence, and enable judges to expedite wildlife cases and recover assets.
Additionally, it aligns with international treaties, encourages global cooperation, and introduces stricter penalties for poachers and traffickers.
Checks revealed that the animals are bought at cheaper rates from the fishermen and resold at higher rates by individuals who transact the business. While some of them sell at the rate of N20,000, those who resell them increase the price to as much as N100,000 to N20,0000 depending on the size.
Declining marine life
Kabiru Raji, a seasoned fisherman with decades of experience navigating the waters in the Ibeju Lekki area, has witnessed firsthand the decline of endangered marine species, particularly the leatherback sea turtle. His years on the sea have painted a stark contrast between the past and present, a reality he finds difficult to ignore.
Although Raji noticed this, the reality did not set in on time until groups of conservationists started bringing sensitisation programmes to his community.
When the question about the reported decline was posed to him, he said, “We used to see most of these leatherback sea turtles back in the day almost all the time when we go fishing. It wasn’t unusual to come across several in a single fishing trip, because some of them got hooked in our nets. But it’s now rare. The numbers have dropped so much that I can go weeks without spotting one. Due to the knowledge I now have, I have started throwing them back into the sea.”
Raji who had lived through the change, acknowledged that the depletion of marine life is a worrying trend and one that could have serious consequences for future generations.
“I’ve spent my life fishing, but I don’t want my children to have to rely on this trade the way I did. The ocean is changing, and we need to start thinking of better ways to protect what’s left.”
Fishermen ignore conservation
While Raji has, over the years, come to understand the concerns of conservationists due to his exposure to several sensitisation programmes, Matthew Ikuomola remains largely disconnected from the realities of marine wildlife protection.
For Ikuomola, a fisherman in the Badagry area of the state, the idea of conserving endangered species like the leatherback sea turtle is a concept that barely resonates with him. His skepticism, however, is rooted in years of disillusionment with local political and traditional leaders, whom he believes have manipulated community initiatives for personal gain.
According to the seasoned fisherman, those who visit coastal communities to educate them about conservation are often met with suspicion.
He said, “Most times, we see them as either politicians or people sent by politicians. That’s why when announcements are made about these awareness programs, only a few people attend. The ones who need the information the most who are the fishermen usually ignore it. Those whom you see there are just other locals and those deal in selling fishes.”
He further attributed the distrust to a history of unmet promises and alleged corruption, saying, “We have lost faith in the politicians who claim to represent us. Many of them take the fishing tools and equipment meant for us and either sell them or hoard them for their own people. When outsiders come with good intentions, the people who have been let down so many times just don’t believe them. If not for this, you wouldn’t even find space to stand here during a sensitisation programme.”
Ikuomola, however believed the problem was not a lack of government intervention but the way resources are distributed.
“The government is doing their part, but the people in charge of sharing these things are the ones who turn it into politics. If you don’t belong to a certain political party, you won’t get anything. That’s why I say, whatever the government wants to give, they should not pass it through local government officials or traditional chiefs. That is the only way we can begin to trust again,” he added.
Experts opinion
A wildlife veterinarian and the country representative for Wild Africa, Mark Ofua, said many people do not fully understand the implications of killing endangered species.
While specifically speaking on the viral leatherback sea turtle video, Ofua explained that such actions tarnish Nigeria’s reputation in the international community, making it evident that the country was not yet serious about wildlife protection.
He said, “We do not fully understand the full implications of killing endangered species like the leatherback sea turtle video. First of all, it puts us in a very bad light in the international community. It makes everybody realize that we are not yet serious about protecting our wildlife.
“It’s an international disgrace for us, for the government. It’s a warning call that yes, even though they are doing something, even though they are trying, they have to do it faster. They have to put in their best to ensure that such a thing does not happen again, because nobody will take us seriously in the international community. If such a thing is paraded in public, you know, without any consequences, without any reaction, it’s just another day in the park.”
He called for increased sensitisation efforts, suggesting that conservation biology should be included in primary school curriculums.
“So sensitisation must be taken to a very, very high level. You see, if we have this conservation biology taught in our primary schools, these children will grow up to be young adults and adults to know that killing of certain animals is forbidden by the law, and that they are criminals, you won’t have such brazen effect, like videos where the likes of manatee, sea turtle and dolphin were killed. Then government must also be in partnership with conservation bodies and conservation societies in educating the hinterlands, the communities around the coastline. This is very key by educating them on preserving and conserving their natural resources, these sea animals. They should also let them know the benefits of conserving these creatures,” he added.
The President of the Nigerian Society for Conservation Biology, who also lectures at the Department of Zoology at the University of Lagos, Fasunma Olaleru, said the long-standing practice of hunting and fishing for species such as manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles is a primary means of livelihood for many communities.
According to her, there is a need for a systematic approach to help these communities recognise that the marine creatures are valuable resources that should not be depleted to the point of extinction.
“We need to help them understand that these marine animals are valuable resources that belong to all of us. If we exploit them without control, we will eventually have nothing left. Sustainable harvesting is key. Just like in fishing, where certain sizes of fish must be left to grow and reproduce, the same principle should apply to these endangered species. There are specific sizes of nets and fishing gear meant to regulate what is caught, and these guidelines need to be followed,” he said.
Olaleru noted that simply telling people to stop hunting these animals without providing alternatives is unrealistic.
“When people have depended on something for their livelihood, it is difficult for them to stop unless there is another way for them to earn a living. That’s where the real challenge lies. Many of them have no other means of sustaining themselves or their families. But the reality is that if they continue, a time will come when there will be no animals left, and they will have no choice but to look for alternatives. The earlier they start transitioning, the better for them and the ecosystem. Some efforts are being made, but more needs to be done. If young people are trained in different skills and have opportunities outside fishing, they won’t have to follow in their parents’ footsteps. Skill acquisition and business diversification are critical to protecting these species and ensuring sustainable livelihoods,” she added.
Mrs. Olukanni Bosede Catherine, Head of CITES and Wildlife Management at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Department of Forestry, said the Federal Government was actively engaged in awareness campaigns to address the widespread ignorance regarding endangered species.
She explained that many people, particularly in African communities, traditionally viewed wild animals as a source of food, believing they were provided by nature for human consumption.
She said, “The Federal Government is into awareness because we take the masses as ignorant of what endangered species are especially where we are coming from as Africans. If an African man sees any wild animal, he will take it for food and that is ever since man started to exist. They see it as what God has provided for them to kill and eat. It is their orientation. So it’s gradual that we have to change this orientation that these animals are there for the entire ecosystem for sustenance.
“That is why God created them. Look at Kenya where they stopped killing such animals; it has turned into a foreign earnings and tourist attraction. If we want to eat any animal to eat, we have to raise them. We have almost finished our wildlife in Nigeria. They are almost totally depleted. And also in the sea anything we see, we just kill and eat. Those are very wrong orientations. So those things the federal government is doing – sensitization and awareness and it is continuous. We had one in February in Ogun State. We are planning to be in Osun State in April. So, it is continuous.”
