The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to leverage on the €59 million West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) as part of intensified efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing just as it averred it is poise to strengthen sustainable management of Nigeria’s marine resources.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola made this known during a meeting with the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot recently.
At the meeting, Nigeria and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to deepening co-operation on maritime security and sustainable ocean governance.
These were contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola and made available to Maritime Bits.
According to the statement, while welcoming the EU Ambassador, Oyetola commended the EU for its longstanding partnership with Nigeria, particularly its support for maritime stability in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), a region critical to global shipping and regional economic development.
He noted that WASOP presents a timely opportunity to strengthen what he called “co-ordinated action” against illegal fishing, improve ocean governance, and promote sustainable exploitation of marine resources across West Africa.
The Minister stated that Nigeria is keen to fully engage with the programme to attract technical and financial support that will enhance enforcement capacity and boost the country’s blue economy ambitions.
Oyetola was quoted stressing that illegal fishing remains a major threat to the marine ecosystem and coastal livelihoods, warning that IUU fishing continues to deplete fish stocks, undermine food security, and erode the economic wellbeing of coastal communities.
His words: “Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a direct threat to national security, food sovereignty, and the survival of our coastal communities. We cannot afford to stand by and watch our marine ecosystems depleted and economic livelihoods eroded. We are calling for an era of stronger international collaboration, backed by aggressive monitoring and uncompromised enforcement systems, to permanently dismantle these illicit operations and safeguard our waters.”
He also highlighted ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector under the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy which prioritises innovation, private sector investment, and sustainable development of ocean resources.
He referenced key milestones in the sector, including improvements in port operations and logistics, as well as enhanced maritime security. He further noted that Nigeria is strengthening initiatives aimed at expanding its maritime infrastructure and improving competitiveness in global trade.
Oyetola also reiterated the need for broader co-operation beyond piracy control, urging development partners to support Nigeria in addressing environmental crimes, human trafficking, and illegal fishing in a more integrated and coordinated manner.
He sought increased technical assistance from EU, particularly in surveillance systems, fisheries monitoring, and enforcement capacity to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to curb IUU fishing across the GoG.
Mignot had earlier in his remarks, reaffirmed the EU commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Nigeria and supporting regional efforts to ensure safer and more sustainable oceans.
He maintained that WASOP is a major EU-funded initiative, designed to promote integrated ocean governance, sustainable fisheries management, and protection of coastal and marine ecosystems across West African countries.
According to the Ambassador, the programme will support improved coordination among coastal states, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and promote a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy in the region.
