Nigeria has said it is ready to tap into the €59m West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme to strengthen efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing while improving the sustainable management of its marine resources.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, on Sunday.
According to the statement, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this known in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on maritime security and sustainable ocean governance.
While receiving the EU Ambassador, Oyetola praised the European Union for its long-standing partnership with Nigeria, especially its backing for maritime stability in the Gulf of Guinea, which he described as vital to global shipping routes and regional economic growth.
He noted that the WASOP initiative presents a timely opportunity to strengthen coordinated efforts against illegal fishing, improve ocean governance, and promote the sustainable use of marine resources across West Africa.
Oyetola added that Nigeria is committed to fully engaging with the programme to attract technical and financial support that would strengthen enforcement capacity and advance the country’s blue economy agenda.
He further stressed that illegal fishing remains a serious threat to the marine ecosystem and coastal livelihoods, warning that IUU fishing continues to deplete fish stocks, undermine food security, and weaken the economic well-being of coastal communities.
“Illegal, unreported, and unregulated 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 be depleted, and economic livelihoods eroded. We are calling for an era of stronger international collaboration, backed by aggressive monitoring and uncompromised enforcement systems, to dismantle these illicit operations and safeguard our waters permanently,” Oyetola said.
Oyetola also pointed to ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector under the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which prioritises innovation, private sector participation, and the sustainable development of ocean resources.
He referenced key milestones in the sector, including improvements in port operations and logistics, as well as strengthened maritime security, adding that Nigeria is scaling up efforts to expand maritime infrastructure and enhance its competitiveness in global trade.
The Minister also reiterated the need for broader cooperation beyond piracy control, calling on development partners to support Nigeria in tackling environmental crimes, human trafficking, and illegal fishing through a more integrated and coordinated approach.
He also sought increased technical assistance from the European Union, particularly in surveillance systems, fisheries monitoring, and enforcement capacity, to enhance Nigeria’s ability to curb IUU fishing across the Gulf of Guinea.
Earlier, Ambassador Mignot reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Nigeria and supporting regional efforts toward safer and more sustainable oceans.
According to him, the programme is expected to improve coordination among coastal states, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and promote a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy across the region.
In May, it was reported that the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa, announced the implementation of a five-year West African Sustainable Ocean Programme valued at €59 million, aimed at advancing climate resilience.
The association added that the initiative, funded by the European Union, will be rolled out across 13 West African countries in partnership with Expertise France.
