After eating grilled crocodile in Nigeria, Dayo Oyewo We write about the concerns of health experts and wildlife conservationists
Renewed interest in crocodile meat consumption in Nigeria has raised concerns among the country's wildlife conservationists.
Over the years, barbecue business has become a profitable business in Nigeria, supported by a significant increase in patronage.
From fine-dining restaurants to local street food joints, the grill industry boasts a variety of seafood and meats.
It is a common sight to see them displayed proudly to the delight of those addicted to luxurious flavours.
But what seems to be slowly changing from the norm is the desire to eat alligator or grilled alligator.
Like other meats that are popular for their unique taste, crocodile and other non-domesticated animals are also used to prepare bushmeat.
Wild aquatic reptiles have long been a food source for humans, but many people still hesitate to eat their meat for cultural or personal reasons.
Also known as crocodile meat, not many Nigerians consider it worth adding to their list of staple foods.
Although it is generally known to be sold in some markets near riverside areas, the addition of crocodile meat to the variety of barbecue menus seemed odd at first glance. This is because it used to be a type of meat that was known to be eaten without attracting much public attention. .
In 2022, a social media post showed two street vendors grandly entering a party organized by a popular socialite, surprising guests in attendance, carrying a chopped up barbecued crocodile.
The video later led to instances of grilled crocodile being served to guests at ceremonies, and a frenzy of crocodile barbecue businesses with little or no regard for wildlife law positions.
Grilled reptiles are now a ready-to-serve menu item at seafood restaurants and lively social events, and consumption demand is gradually increasing, threatening continued advocacy for wildlife conservation. is.
As much as conservationists are concerned about the need to protect wild animals from extinction, public health experts are concerned that this could lead to another surge in wildlife poaching. They have expressed concern about the health effects and potential for disease outbreaks.
endangered species act
The Endangered Species Act, enacted in Nigeria in 1985, provides for the conservation and management of the country's wildlife, as required under certain international treaties to which Nigeria is a party, and the protection of wildlife endangered as a result of overexploitation. It provided for the protection of some endangered species. I am a signatory.
The Endangered Species (Management of International Trade and Traffic) (Amendment) Act 2016 improves section 5 endangered species to be more deterrent and adjust fines upward to reflect economic realities. It amends the Species (Control of International Trade and Traffic) Act.
President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Endangered Species (Regulation of International Trade and Transportation) Amendment Act of 2016 into law.
The law was amended to bring punitive provisions in line with economic realities, but also aimed at interdicting traffic in Nigeria and improving the protection of endangered species.
Nevertheless, weak regulations have allowed the poaching and consumption of crocodile meat and the production of skins for commercial purposes to flourish unhindered in Nigeria.
The hides are produced and sold primarily in the northern region, where many tanneries are located, while the meat is consumed primarily in the southern region, where there are active wildlife markets.
As with some extinct animals, environmentalists fear the same fate may befall the endangered crocodile.
Explore the grilled crocodile business
Sunkanmi Agbede, who lives on the outskirts of Alimosho in Lagos State, has a special interest in eating grilled crocodile at a place in Surulere area. However, he does not go alone, but visits with his colleagues.
“I never had crocodile until a friend introduced me to grilled crocodile. I think it's just like any other grilled bushmeat, but grilled crocodile is served in a way that you can't eat it alone. That's why. I prefer to go with friends,” he said.
Some retailers actively advertise on the Internet to promote sales.
While writing checks, our correspondent discovered that some outlets are promoting grilled crocodile business through their social media handles and other online market platforms.
Corroborating this, another resident, who wished to be identified as Kenneth, said he was drawn to it after seeing it online.
“I came across it by chance on Instagram and was very curious about its grilling method. Usually I love to satisfy my curiosity. So when I first found the place and started eating it… “It was,” he said.
On the other hand, the price of crocodile meat varies depending on location and type. However, it is quite expensive.
Further investigation revealed that grilled crocodile meat is sold according to size. These include baby crocodiles, which are created as an alternative to large crocodiles.
Prices range from 100,000 Naira to 300,000 Naira, with giant grilled crocodile reportedly selling for more than 450,000 Naira.
However, it may be more affordable in other areas where it is more readily available.
FG condemns wildlife crime
Environment Minister Isiaku Salako recently praised Nigeria's diverse wildlife treasures, but frowned on illegal logging and poaching that threaten the survival of wildlife.
In a post on his X handle, Salako called for urgent action to protect the country's natural heritage and the important role animals play in the country's ecosystem.
“Let's work together to fight wildlife crime and say no to illegal bushmeat,” he added.
In the video, he says, “Nigeria is blessed with iconic wildlife such as elephants, gorillas, and pangolins. However, these beautiful animals are threatened by illegal logging and poaching. If we don't stand up, we will lose our national heritage. So report wildlife crimes and say no to illegal poaching. Because protecting nature protects our future. It’s from.”
expert opinion
According to research published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology, consuming reptile meat can cause health problems.
Public health veterinary expert Dr. Babatunde Saka said concerns about the health effects associated with consuming crocodile meat and other wild animals come after veterinary inspectors have determined that they are safe for consumption. He said it was because he couldn't prove it.
He also cited the Ebola outbreak in Africa as a result of bat hunting and said unnecessary poaching of wild animals is highly frowned upon.
He said: “Crocodile as we know it belongs to the category of wild animals and its consumption is culturally different in different parts of the world.
“There are a variety of species, and about 22 species, of which about seven are considered classified. Clearly, crocodile consumption has public health implications.
“This applies to all other animals that are classified as wild animals, because during the poaching and slaughter process there is no veterinary inspector to certify that they are safe for consumption. is.”
“It is a classic adage in biomedicine that 75 percent of infectious diseases originate in animals, especially wild animals, and the World Health Organization's greatest belief is that the next possible infectious disease will originate in wild animals. That's it.
“They are a reservoir of known and unknown diseases. That's why the public health importance and impact of human consumption of wild crocodiles is so significant.
“This is quite discouraging, especially from our perspective as experts in this field. The needless poaching of wild animals beyond slaughter and consumption is highly frowned upon. If you recall, the Ebola outbreak in Africa was the result of bat hunting, and bats are classically a reservoir for every kind of virus you can imagine.”
Professor Saka added that the same applies to other wild animals, including crocodiles, and said that apart from the risk of being bitten by a crocodile, reptiles are at great risk of contracting diseases.
He pointed out that wild animals carrying pathogens may not get sick at all, so they may not show any symptoms or signs. He explained that he is a carrier of these pathogens. Pathogens are transmitted through them and symptoms of the disease appear.
“That's why we strongly discourage it, which is not only delicious, but even more dangerous for your health. The government recommends it not because people can get sick, but because it is a contagious disease that can lead to serious consequences.” “There is a need to further educate the public about the dangers of such consumption and the dangers of getting too close to wild animals,” he added.
The President of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Professor Wasiu Afolabi, asserted that while crocodile is a source of protein, some other alternative animals are classified as human consumption.
He said crocodiles are loaded with microorganisms, especially bacteria, and can make you sick if not cooked properly.
“From a nutritional perspective, wild animals are a rich source of protein, but when they are protected animals, consuming such animals as a source of protein is not supported. Because there are some other alternatives that are animals that are classified as “consumption.''
“If I were to follow that trend, the people eating grilled crocodile would probably be in the upper socio-economic brackets. And that's a concern, especially for conservationists and environmentalists who don't subscribe.
“A large number of microorganisms, especially bacteria, are present in crocodiles, and consuming such food without proper processing can expose consumers to pathogenic and potentially disease-causing bacteria. “You could be at risk,” he said.
However, Professor Afolabi called on regulators and government health departments to step into the issue and come up with policies to guide the hunting and processing of such animals for human consumption.
“Generally in Nigeria, people consume so-called wild animals, including animals that are protected by law. In the absence of effective laws and regulations, some people still engage in hunting.
“There are also a significant number of animals that should be declared endangered.
“So until governments create policies about what wild game and animals people can consume and what wild animals are protected, people are free to hunt any unprotected wild animals.” That's when we say it's OK to kill and consume them, and if there are protected individuals, it's against the law and anyone who hunts them for food will have to be prosecuted.'' he added.
