THE WILD ANIMALS LAW 1963 THE WILD ANIMALS LAW HUNTING LICENSES REGULATIONS 1975
Act · Environment
Policy date: 1963-01-01
An Act controls the hunting, capture, and trade of wild animals in Nigeria by establishing a licensing system and protecting certain species. It targets hunters, conservation agencies, and communities involved in bushmeat. The aim is to prevent over-exploitation and extinction of animal populations.
What Is This Policy?
Legislation controlling the hunting, capture, and trade of wild animals in Nigeria, establishing a licensing system for hunters and specifying protected species that may not be hunted.
Who Does It Target?
Licensed hunters and sport hunting operators Wildlife conservation agencies Rural communities that rely on bushmeat Commercial wildlife traders
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
To prevent the over-exploitation and extinction of wild animal populations, regulate subsistence and commercial hunting through licences, and protect designated rare and endangered species.
Key Features
Hunting Licence Requirement: All persons hunting wild animals must hold a valid licence issued by the appropriate authority. Protected Species List: Schedules specific animals that are fully protected and may not be hunted at any time. Seasonal Restrictions: Establishes open and closed seasons for particular game species. Prohibited Methods: Bans trapping methods and weapons likely to cause indiscriminate or widespread killing. Penalties: Prescribes fines and custodial sentences for unlicensed hunting and trade in protected species.
Current Status
In force at state level. Wildlife management laws and hunting licensing regulations are administered by state wildlife agencies, with protected species lists periodically updated to reflect conservation needs.
Apply for a hunting licence at the State Ministry responsible for wildlife or forestry Provide proof of identity and pay the prescribed fee Comply with seasonal and species-specific conditions Application method: State Wildlife or Forestry Departments
Important Terms
Licences specify permitted species, areas, and seasons Violation results in forfeiture of equipment and prosecution Repeat offenders face enhanced penalties
Official Resources
Website: State Ministries of Environment / Forestry Policy Summary Document | Federal Republic of Nigeria
Legal Framework
Enacted under the legislative powers of the National Assembly vested by Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act (Cap E9 LFN 2004) is the principal statute. Operates alongside the National Parks Service Act, the Forestry Act, and Nigeria's obligations under CITES, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.