Lagos: The Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust have issued a call for stronger protection measures for parrots in Nigeria, coinciding with the global celebration of World Parrot Day. This appeal was outlined in a statement jointly released by the group’s Nigeria Representatives.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the statement emphasized the urgency of the situation due to the ongoing illegal trade of various parrot species. It highlighted the critical role parrots play in ecosystems, particularly in seed dispersal and forest regeneration. The African Grey Parrot, once abundant in Nigeria’s forests, is now rapidly vanishing as a result of extensive trapping and trafficking over the years.
Despite existing national and international laws designed to protect parrots, the statement pointed out that lax enforcement and the demand for exotic pets continue to fuel illegal activities. It noted that over 1.2 million wild-caught grey parrots have entered the international trade over the past four decades, with a mortality rate of 40-60 percent during capture and transport, potentially leading to a total loss of up to three million birds.
The statement did acknowledge recent progress in Nigeria’s fight against illegal parrot trade. In March 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted over 300 parrot heads, bringing significant attention to the issue. Additionally, in early May, officials from the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the National Park Service arrested three suspected wildlife traffickers in Abuja who were found with live African grey parrots and other species. In April, Nigeria Special Wildlife Officers seized 12 live grey parrots being transported between Kaduna and Lagos, which are now being rehabilitated at Pandrillus Nigeria Drill Ranch.
Dr. Mark Ofua, West Africa spokesperson for Wild Africa, underscored the ecological importance of parrots as keystone species. He emphasized their intelligence and social nature, advocating for the protection of their habitats and freedom on World Parrot Day.
Mr. Ifeanyi Ezenwa, Nigeria Country Coordinator for the World Parrot Trust, highlighted the perilous situation of grey parrots in Nigeria. He praised the intensified efforts by enforcement agencies but lamented the ongoing lack of public awareness regarding the exploitation of parrots and its impact on Nigeria’s natural heritage.
The group commended Nigeria’s legislative progress, particularly the introduction of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, urging its swift passage to bolster law enforcement efforts. The statement also called for increased public education to decrease the demand for parrots as pets.
Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust plan to continue advocating for stronger conservation policies through various media channels, urging governments, businesses, and individuals to unite in meaningful action to protect parrots before it is too late.