A Nigerian wildlife-conservation group has stepped up efforts to rescue and release endangered sea turtles along the country’s southern coast. On 24 October 2025, the Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative (GWCI) announced the release of three sea turtles at a beachfront in Lagos, after they were rescued from fishing nets and rehabilitated in a sanctuary. (AP News)
Over the past five years, GWCI has saved more than 70 turtles, including species such as the Olive Ridley, Hawksbill and Leatherback, according to Reuters. (Reuters)
Founder Chinedu Mogbo emphasised that the initiative is also changing local practices: fishermen are now encouraged to report turtles caught in nets or nests they find, in return for gear-repair kits or rewards rather than simply selling the turtles for meat, shells or eggs. (Reuters)
In the recent release event, local students watched as the rehabilitated turtles returned to the sea — a symbolic and educational moment aimed at raising awareness. (AP News)
Why It Matters
Sea turtles play a vital role in marine ecosystems, helping maintain healthy sea grass beds and coral reefs; their decline signals broader ecological stress.
Nigeria’s coastline lacks formal marine protected areas, leaving nesting grounds and sea-animals vulnerable to trawl nets, coastal development and pollution. (The Guardian Nigeria)
The cultural and economic context adds complexity: turtle eggs and meat are sometimes harvested or sold for traditional uses, meaning conservation must navigate local livelihoods and beliefs. (Reuters)
The rescue efforts combine rehabilitation, community engagement and alternative-livelihood incentives — a model that may help scale conservation in Africa’s rapidly coastal-developing nations.
Challenges & Outlook
Despite the encouraging signs, conservationists insist much more is needed:
Monitoring remains weak: exact population figures for sea turtles in Nigeria’s waters are unknown. (Reuters)
The coastline’s fast urbanisation and lack of formal protection zones continue to threaten nesting sites and juvenile survival.
Sustained funding is a challenge; many rescue efforts are self-funded or reliant on small grants and volunteer support.
Engaging and compensating communities remains sensitive: balancing protection of wildlife with guaranteeing fishermen and local stakeholders aren’t disadvantaged.
