The Founder of Woodland Park Zoo, Coal City Enugu, and Chairman of Tenerife Hospitality Group, Dr. Josef Onoh, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for intercepting and seizing 17 live scorpions and 340 snakes at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
In what has been described as a major breakthrough in the fight against illicit trafficking of endangered species, the NCS stopped the reptiles packaged for export out of Nigeria. According to the NCS Area Controller, Mike Awe, the wildlife export attempt was a violation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Reacting to the development, Onoh, a frontline conservationist, said the seizure represents a “significant victory in the battle against illegal wildlife trade.”
He explained: “The illegal trade is a scourge that not only undermines Nigeria’s biodiversity but also tarnishes the nation’s global reputation and threatens the delicate balance of the ecosystems.”
Onoh, who runs the multi-billion-naira Woodland Park Zoo in the Iva Valley Forest Reserve, Enugu, noted that the illegal wildlife trade generates an estimated $7–23 billion annually worldwide but casts “a long shadow over Nigeria.”
“These activities fuel transnational crime, destabilize economic stability, and endanger public safety by facilitating the spread of zoonotic diseases,” Onoh said. “The trafficking of live animals, often conducted without regard for their welfare or ecological impact, contributes to the depletion of Nigeria’s rich biodiversity, with far-reaching consequences for our forests, wildlife, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on sustainable ecosystems. The NCS’s proactive intervention in this case sends a powerful message: Nigeria will not tolerate the exploitation of its natural heritage for illicit gain.”
Onoh praised Comptroller Michael Awe and the Murtala Muhammed Area Command for their commitment to enforcing CITES, which Nigeria has been a signatory to since 1974.
“By intercepting these 17 live scorpions and 340 snakes, the NCS has not only prevented a breach of international conservation standards but also safeguarded species that play critical roles in maintaining ecological balance. Reptiles such as these are vital to controlling pest populations and supporting biodiversity, and their illegal trade risks local extinctions and disrupts the natural harmony of Nigeria’s ecosystems,” Onoh said.
He added that the interception “underscores the NCS’s pivotal role in disrupting criminal networks that profit from environmental destruction,” stressing that the animals would be handed over to appropriate authorities for proper care and rehabilitation.
Highlighting the broader consequences of wildlife trafficking, Onoh said: “Nigeria’s reputation as a hub for trafficking in pangolin scales, ivory, and other wildlife products has, for too long, overshadowed its potential as a leader in conservation and sustainable tourism.”
According to him, recent consistent efforts by the NCS, including the seizure of 1,600 parrots and canaries in July 2025, are helping reshape the country’s global image. “By collaborating with organizations like the Wildlife Justice Commission and Focused Conservation, and through initiatives like the Nigeria Special Wildlife Office, the NCS is demonstrating that Nigeria is taking bold steps to reclaim its standing as a responsible steward of its natural resources,” he said.
Onoh noted that the actions align with the National Strategy to Combat Wildlife and Forest Crime (2022–2026), which aims to dismantle trafficking networks and promote sustainable environmental practices.
“As a passionate conservationist, advocate for wildlife conservation and founder of the Woodland Park Zoo, I am deeply inspired by the NCS’s efforts,” he stressed. “My ongoing project in Enugu reflects this dedication. Situated in the Iva Valley Forest Reserve, this multi-billion-naira initiative is designed to promote wildlife tourism and conservation education while offering a world-class safari experience. The zoological garden, already 70 percent complete, will house giraffes, zebras, antelopes, crocodiles, and various snakes, all cared for in environments that prioritize their welfare and align with global conservation standards.”
He further explained that the Woodland Park Zoo project seeks to showcase Nigeria’s natural heritage, create jobs, and position Enugu as a premier destination for eco-tourism.
“The Woodland Park Zoo is more than a tourism venture; it is a testament to the belief that conservation and economic development can coexist,” Onoh said. “By investing in sustainable projects like this, we can counter the destructive impact of illegal wildlife trade, which robs future generations of the opportunity to experience Nigeria’s rich biodiversity. The NCS’s recent actions reinforce the importance of such initiatives, proving that law enforcement and conservation efforts can work hand in hand to protect our environment and elevate Nigeria’s global image.”
Commending the service further, Onoh said: “I commend the NCS for their tireless work in combating wildlife trafficking, which not only protects endangered species but also strengthens Nigeria’s position as a leader in the fight against environmental crime. I urge the service to continue its collaboration with domestic and international partners, including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Wildlife Law Enforcement Task Force, to ensure that seized wildlife is managed responsibly and that traffickers face the full weight of the law. Together, we can build a Nigeria where our ecosystems thrive, our wildlife is protected, and our nation is celebrated for its commitment to conservation.”
He concluded: “Once again, I salute the Nigeria Customs Service for their exemplary service and dedication to safeguarding our natural heritage. Your actions inspire us all to do more in the fight for a sustainable future.”
