Nigeria will leverage the €59 million West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and strengthen marine resource management.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this during a meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.
This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos by the Minister’s Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola.
Oyetola and Mignot reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on maritime security and sustainable ocean governance.
The minister commended the European Union for its longstanding support for maritime stability in the Gulf of Guinea.
He described the region as critical to global shipping and regional economic development.
Oyetola said WASOP presents a timely opportunity to strengthen action against illegal fishing, improve ocean governance and promote sustainable resource exploitation.
He noted that Nigeria was eager to engage fully with the programme to attract technical and financial support.
According to him, such support would enhance enforcement capacity and advance the country’s blue economy objectives.
The minister identified illegal fishing as a major threat to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
He warned that IUU fishing continues to deplete fish stocks, undermine food security and weaken coastal economies.
“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 depleted and economic livelihoods eroded.
“We are calling for an era of stronger international collaboration, backed by aggressive monitoring and uncompromising enforcement systems.
“This is necessary to permanently dismantle these illicit operations and safeguard our waters,” Oyetola said.
The minister also highlighted reforms under the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.
He said the policy prioritises innovation, private sector investment and sustainable development of ocean resources.
Oyetola cited improvements in port operations, logistics and maritime security as key achievements in the sector.
He added that Nigeria was expanding maritime infrastructure and improving its competitiveness in global trade.
The minister stressed the need for broader cooperation beyond piracy control.
He urged development partners to support Nigeria in tackling environmental crimes, human trafficking and illegal fishing through coordinated action.
Oyetola also sought increased EU technical assistance in surveillance systems, fisheries monitoring and enforcement capacity.
He said such support would strengthen Nigeria’s ability to curb IUU fishing across the Gulf of Guinea.
Earlier, Mignot reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Nigeria.
He said the EU remained committed to supporting regional efforts aimed at safer and more sustainable oceans.
The ambassador highlighted WASOP as a major EU-funded initiative promoting integrated ocean governance and sustainable fisheries management.
He said the programme would also support the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems across West Africa.
Mignot noted that WASOP would improve coordination among coastal states, strengthen enforcement mechanisms and promote an inclusive blue economy.
