On a bright weekend morning just before October 24, 2025, a small crowd gathered on a private beach in Lagos, Nigeria, their eyes fixed on the shoreline. Conservationists, students, and local fishermen watched with anticipation as three battered but determined sea turtles shuffled across the sand, finally slipping into the rolling surf and disappearing into the vast Atlantic. The moment was met with cheers and applause—a celebration of survival and a glimmer of hope for a species in peril.
This release, covered by outlets including ABC and The Associated Press, marked the latest success for the Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative, a local organization that has, in recent years, saved dozens of sea turtles from an uncertain fate. The turtles, all endangered in the Lagos coastal region, had been rescued weeks earlier from fishermen’s nets and nursed back to health at a sanctuary for threatened wildlife in the city.
For Chinedu Mogbo, founder of Greenfingers, the work is both urgent and deeply personal. “For fishermen, they are just food,” Mogbo told The Associated Press. “There is no knowledge out there of wildlife.” His words cut to the heart of one of Nigeria’s most pressing environmental challenges: a lack of awareness about the ecological importance of species like sea turtles, which play a vital role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
Lagos, home to more than 20 million people and Nigeria’s economic powerhouse, stretches along the Gulf of Guinea. Its waters once teemed with sea turtles, but today, conservationists warn of a dramatic decline in their numbers. There are no official figures for the remaining sea turtle population in Lagos, but the anecdotal evidence is troubling. Fewer and fewer turtles return each year to lay their eggs on the city’s beaches, a trend that points to the broader crisis facing Nigeria’s wildlife.
Nigeria is a country blessed with an abundance of natural riches, but it is also a hotspot for wildlife trafficking and habitat loss. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the West African nation now counts 23 species as “critically endangered,” a list that includes not only sea turtles but also pangolins, gorillas, and other iconic animals. Mark Ofua, West Africa representative for Wild Africa, summed up the situation starkly, stating, “Nigeria’s endangered wildlife faces an acutely critical and ongoing threat, teetering on the brink of irreversible biodiversity collapse.”
The pressures are immense. Rapid population growth, urban expansion, and a booming demand for animal products all contribute to the problem. For many fishermen in Lagos, catching a sea turtle is simply a stroke of luck—a chance for a meal or a few extra naira at the market. The idea that these creatures are endangered, or that their disappearance could upset the delicate balance of the ocean, often goes unrecognized.
That’s where Greenfingers and its allies come in. The group has pioneered a novel approach to conservation: incentivizing cooperation from local fishermen. Instead of punishing or shaming those who accidentally catch sea turtles in their nets, Greenfingers offers rewards—usually in the form of fishing gear—if fishermen alert the organization when they find a turtle or stumble upon a nest on the shore. “We have released sea turtles then found them captured again after six months, and our attention was drawn to them by fishermen,” Mogbo explained. “That, to me, is a positive turn.”
The strategy is beginning to pay off. Not only are more turtles being rescued and released, but attitudes among fishermen are slowly shifting. By recognizing the value of living turtles—not just as a source of food, but as essential members of the marine environment—communities are starting to see conservation in a new light. It’s a gradual process, but one that holds promise for the future.
The recent release was also a powerful educational moment for the next generation. Among the onlookers was Aviel Izedonmi, a student who described the experience as “very special.” She added, “I’m very passionate about wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. Seeing something like this in Nigeria, where it is uncommon, just shows me how important these things are.” Her words echoed the sentiments of many young Nigerians who are growing increasingly aware of the urgent need to protect their natural heritage.
Education is, in many ways, the linchpin of the Greenfingers approach. The group regularly organizes school visits, beach clean-ups, and public events designed to foster a deeper appreciation for wildlife. By bringing students face-to-face with rescued animals, conservationists hope to inspire a sense of stewardship that will last a lifetime. As Mogbo put it, “There is no knowledge out there of wildlife.” Changing that, he believes, is key to reversing the tide of extinction.
But the challenges remain daunting. Illegal trafficking networks continue to operate across Nigeria and West Africa, smuggling everything from ivory to exotic birds to distant markets. Enforcement is patchy, and resources for conservation are often stretched thin. The country’s rapid urbanization—Lagos is one of the fastest-growing cities in the world—puts constant pressure on remaining wild spaces.
Still, small victories like the recent turtle release offer a reason to hope. They show that, with persistence and creativity, it’s possible to make a difference—even in the face of overwhelming odds. The sight of three endangered turtles returning to the sea may seem like a drop in the ocean, but for those who witnessed it, the moment was a powerful reminder of what’s at stake and what can be achieved when communities come together.
As the last turtle vanished beneath the waves, the beach fell quiet for a moment. Then, as if on cue, the students and conservationists broke into applause once more. It was a simple gesture, but one that spoke volumes. In a world where so many species are slipping away unnoticed, every rescued animal, every act of kindness, every new ally in the fight for conservation matters.
For Lagos, for Nigeria, and for the sea turtles themselves, the journey is far from over. But with groups like Greenfingers leading the way, and with growing support from fishermen, students, and ordinary citizens, there is hope that the tide can be turned—one turtle at a time.
