Section 20: Ownership of wild animals

(1) The ownership of every wild animal and wild plant existing in its natural habitat in a National Park and anything whatsoever, whether of biological, geomorphological or historical origin or otherwise, existing or found in a National Park is hereby vested in the Federal Government and subject to the control and management by the Federal Government for the benefit of Nigeria and mankind generally.
(2) Where the wild animal, wild plant or other thing is lawfully taken pursuant to a licence issued under this Act, the ownership of the animal, plant or thing shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, vest or continue to be vested in the licensee.
(3) Except with authority under a licence, nothing in this section shall be deemed to transfer to any person the ownership of a wild animal found dead or dying, or of a wild plant that has been cut down.
(4) If a person takes a wild animal or wild plant in contravention of this Act, the ownership of that animal or plant shall not be transferred to that person.
(5) A wild animal found outside a National Park shall not by reason only of its being found near the National Park be deemed to be the property of the Federal Government, unless it is shown to be in the course of a recognised natural migratory route or pattern to or from the National Park.
(6) Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to confer any right to damages or compensation on a person who alleges that he has suffered injury from or due to the activities of a wild animal or wild plant shown to be the property of the Federal Government otherwise than as provided in this Act.