Nigeria is set to deepen its campaign against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing through partnership with the European Union under a €59 million regional ocean governance initiative aimed at promoting sustainable fisheries and protecting marine ecosystem.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this during talks with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja, according to a statement made available on Sunday by his Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola.
The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in maritime security, ocean governance and sustainable development of marine resources across the Gulf of Guinea and the wider West African region.
Oyetola said Nigeria was prepared to take advantage of the €59 million West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP), an EU-backed initiative designed to improve fisheries management, strengthen maritime enforcement and support coastal economies.
According to him, the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s vision of building a sustainable blue economy capable of generating jobs, boosting food security and attracting investment while safeguarding marine resources.
He described illegal fishing as one of the most pressing challenges confronting the nation’s maritime sector, warning that continued exploitation of Nigeria’s waters by illegal operators threatens both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
“IUU fishing is a direct threat to national security, food sovereignty and the survival of our coastal communities,” the minister said.
He stressed that Nigeria was seeking stronger international partnerships to improve surveillance, monitoring and enforcement mechanisms capable of tackling criminal activities in its maritime domain.
The minister noted that beyond piracy, emerging threats such as environmental crimes, human trafficking and illegal fishing require a more coordinated regional and international response.
Oyetola also highlighted ongoing reforms under the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, saying the government is pursuing measures to modernise maritime infrastructure, improve port efficiency and create a more competitive environment for marine-based businesses.
He maintained that sustainable management of ocean resources remains central to the country’s long-term economic diversification strategy.
Speaking during the meeting, Ambassador Mignot reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting Nigeria and other West African countries in building safer, more secure and environmentally sustainable oceans.
He said the WASOP initiative would provide a framework for improved cooperation among coastal nations, enhanced fisheries governance and stronger protection of marine ecosystems.
The envoy noted that the programme seeks to strengthen enforcement systems, encourage knowledge sharing and support the growth of a sustainable blue economy that benefits local communities while preserving marine resources for future generations.
