The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, is set to lead Nigeria’s delegation to the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), scheduled to hold from June 9 to 13, 2025, in Nice, France.
Oyetola will be representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the high-level global summit which is expected to gather heads of state, policy makers, environmental experts, and key stakeholders from around the world to deliberate on strategies for ocean conservation and sustainable marine resource management.
Ahead of the conference, the Minister will also participate in the 2025 World Oceans Day commemoration on June 8, further emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to global actions aimed at reversing the degradation of ocean ecosystems and promoting sustainable development within coastal communities.
UNOC3, jointly convened by France and Costa Rica, will be held under the theme: “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.” The conference aims to strengthen international cooperation around Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) — Life Below Water.
Speaking on Nigeria’s participation, Oyetola described the ocean as a critical part of Nigeria’s economic and environmental life, highlighting its role in trade, transportation, food security, and climate resilience.
“The ocean is an indispensable part of our national life and economy, especially given our vast coastal resources and the strategic role of the maritime sector,” he said. “We are committed to aligning Nigeria’s development agenda with global best practices for sustainable ocean governance.”
He noted that the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and economic diversification.
“Our presence at UNOC3 is a clear demonstration of this administration’s resolve to protect our marine ecosystems while unlocking the immense potential of the blue economy for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Oyetola added.
During the conference, the Nigerian delegation is expected to participate in high-level dialogues, technical panels, and bilateral meetings focused on advancing cooperation, promoting investment in marine infrastructure, and enhancing ocean science and coastal resilience.
The Minister is also expected to showcase Nigeria’s recent strides in port modernization, marine protection, and the development of artisanal fisheries as part of the country’s broader blue economy reforms.
Nigeria’s participation at UNOC3 reinforces its strategic role as a regional leader in sustainable marine governance and maritime innovation.
