Nigeria’s Sea Turtles Face Extinction Threat as Pollution and Poaching Surge

Lagos, Nigeria—September 15, 2025

Conservationists are sounding the alarm over the rapid decline of Nigeria’s sea turtle population, warning that pollution, illegal poaching, and unchecked coastal development are pushing the endangered species closer to extinction.

Over the last five years, a sanctuary in Lagos has rescued and rehabilitated more than 70 injured turtles, many of which were victims of plastic ingestion, entanglement in fishing nets, or direct hunting for meat and shells.

"If urgent action isn’t taken, Nigeria could lose its sea turtle population within a generation," said environmental activist Grace Adeyemi, director of Marine Life Rescue Initiative. "They play a critical role in balancing marine ecosystems, and their disappearance would trigger devastating ripple effects on coastal biodiversity."

Plastic waste remains one of the biggest threats. Recent studies reveal that over 60% of stranded turtles examined along Nigeria’s coastline had ingested harmful plastics. In addition, poachers continue to target turtles for their meat and eggs, while real estate expansion and sand mining are destroying nesting sites.

Despite these challenges, there is hope. Several NGOs, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, are launching awareness campaigns and partnering with coastal communities to protect nesting beaches. Local fishermen are also being trained to safely release trapped turtles instead of selling them.

Conservation experts are calling for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws, greater investment in recycling initiatives, and the creation of more marine protected areas.

"The survival of Nigeria’s sea turtles is a national responsibility," Adeyemi emphasized. "Protecting them means protecting our oceans, our fisheries, and our future."