“Not To Own It, But To Give It Another Chance At Life” — Foreigner Rescues Sea Turtle From Lagos Sellers As NESREA Faces Enforcement Questions

A foreign national has reportedly rescued a sea turtle being offered for sale near Eko Hotel in Lagos after paying roadside sellers to secure the animal’s release.

According to an eyewitness, the man appealed to the sellers, bystanders and uniformed police officers present to protect the turtle before eventually paying for its release.

“He eventually paid the men for the turtle, not to own it but to give it another chance at life,” the witness said.

She added that a police van helped transport the animal back to the sea, where it was released.

The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of wildlife-law enforcement in Nigeria, particularly the role of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in preventing the illegal sale of protected species.

NESREA is legally empowered to enforce environmental and endangered-species protection laws. Section 1(1) of the Endangered Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act prohibits the hunting, capture and trade of animals listed in its First Schedule, which includes protected sea turtle species.

The National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in International Trade) Regulations, 2011, also designate NESREA as an enforcement authority, while the 2024 regulations address endangered-species protection in domestic and international trade.

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“Not To Own It, But To Give It Another Chance At Life” — Foreigner Rescues Sea Turtle From Lagos Sellers As NESREA Faces Enforcement Questions

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The reported sale raises concerns about why a private individual had to pay to secure the release of wildlife that may be protected under Nigerian law, rather than the matter being addressed through official enforcement procedures.

Although police officers were reportedly present, the eyewitness said a police van eventually assisted in returning the turtle to the sea. It remains unclear whether the sellers were questioned, arrested or investigated.

The incident also raises broader concerns about the capture and commercial exploitation of endangered marine animals along Nigeria’s coast.

However, the account does not establish whether NESREA was informed of the incident or had an opportunity to intervene. It therefore does not prove that the agency neglected its statutory responsibilities in this particular case.

The date of the incident, the identities of those involved, the turtle’s species and whether any official investigation followed have not been independently established.

While the reported rescue offers a positive outcome for the animal, it highlights the need for effective enforcement of Nigeria’s wildlife protection laws, greater public awareness and stronger coordination between environmental regulators and law enforcement agencies.

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