A remarkable act of community-led marine conservation in Lagos is drawing national attention after the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) announced plans to honour a community leader who helped save a giant sea turtle.
According to reports published on October 8, 2026, the Baale of Okun Igando in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Chief Semiu Waliu Jejelaiye, will receive a Letter of Commendation from NESREA after leading members of his fishing community to rescue and release a large sea turtle that had become trapped in a fishing net.
The incident is more than a heartwarming wildlife rescue story. It demonstrates how coastal communities can become powerful partners in protecting Nigeria’s marine biodiversity.
A Community Chooses Conservation
The giant sea turtle was reportedly discovered entangled in a fishing net along the Lagos coastline. Instead of allowing the animal to be killed or sold, Chief Jejelaiye intervened and encouraged members of the community to release it back into the Atlantic Ocean.
The reported rescue involved local youths and fishermen working together to free the turtle and return it safely to its natural environment.
NESREA Director-General, Professor Innocent Barikor, praised the action as an example of responsible environmental stewardship and emphasized the important role that coastal communities can play in protecting threatened wildlife.
This community response demonstrates a simple but powerful principle: protecting Nigeria’s oceans cannot be left to government agencies and conservation organizations alone.
Fishermen, traditional leaders, young people, businesses and residents living along the coast all have a role to play.
Why Saving One Sea Turtle Matters
Sea turtles are important components of healthy marine ecosystems. Nigeria’s coastline provides habitat and migratory routes for several sea turtle species, including leatherback, green, olive ridley and other species.
Leatherback turtles are particularly remarkable. They are the largest living sea turtles and travel vast distances across the world’s oceans.
Their survival is threatened by several human activities, including accidental capture in fishing gear, destruction of nesting habitats, poaching, pollution and marine debris.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has documented threats including accidental capture in fishing lines and nets, loss of nesting habitat and ingestion of plastics. Leatherback turtles are also included in CITES Appendix I, reflecting the need for strict protection against international commercial trade.
For more information about marine species found in Nigeria, see NIMEPA’s guide to Marine Life in Nigeria.
What Fishermen Can Do
When a sea turtle or other protected marine animal is accidentally caught:
- Avoid killing or selling the animal.
- Carefully assess whether it can be safely released.
- Avoid unnecessary handling.
- Seek assistance from relevant environmental or wildlife authorities.
- Report recurring turtle interactions with fishing gear.
- Where possible, reduce the use of fishing practices that increase wildlife bycatch.
The reported Ibeju-Lekki rescue shows what can happen when local knowledge and environmental responsibility come together.
NESREA’s Role in Protecting Nigeria’s Environment
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency is responsible for enforcing environmental laws, regulations, standards and guidelines in Nigeria.
NESREA’s mandate includes environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, pollution control and promoting sustainable environmental practices.
The agency has also warned against the possession, display and trade of endangered wildlife specimens and products on social media, emphasizing that such activities can violate Nigeria’s environmental laws.
The reported decision to honour the Ibeju-Lekki community leader therefore sends an important message: positive environmental action deserves recognition and encouragement.
It also demonstrates that enforcement and education can work alongside community participation.
Coastal Communities Are the First Line of Defence
Many environmental challenges are first observed by people who live and work closest to the water.
Fishermen may notice changes in marine species. Residents may see plastic accumulation along beaches. Community leaders may witness illegal wildlife activities. Young people may document environmental incidents through social media.
These observations can become valuable conservation intelligence when communities know how and where to report environmental concerns.
NIMEPA believes that empowering communities with environmental knowledge is an important part of protecting Nigeria’s marine ecosystems.
Read more about NIMEPA’s work to protect endangered marine species in Nigeria and how community-driven conservation can contribute to healthier oceans.
NIMEPA: Supporting Marine Conservation in Nigeria
At the Nigerian Marine Environment Protection Association (NIMEPA), we are committed to safeguarding Nigeria’s oceans and marine ecosystems for future generations.
Through conservation, advocacy, research, collaboration, education and sustainable practices, NIMEPA works to protect marine life, reduce pollution and promote responsible ocean stewardship.
The Ibeju-Lekki rescue demonstrates the kind of community participation needed to build a stronger future for Nigeria’s oceans.
We encourage coastal communities, fishermen, businesses, schools, government institutions and individuals to take an active role in protecting marine biodiversity.
Learn more about NIMEPA’s marine conservation initiatives and discover how you can support efforts to protect Nigeria’s oceans and coastal communities.
