The Federal Government says it is positioning Nigeria to benefit from the 59 million euro West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme to strengthen efforts against illegal fishing and improve the management of marine resources.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this during a meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja. He said illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing continues to threaten fish stocks, food security and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Oyetola noted that Nigeria is seeking technical and financial support under the programme to improve surveillance, fisheries monitoring and enforcement capacity. He added that the initiative aligns with ongoing reforms aimed at expanding the country’s blue economy and promoting sustainable use of ocean resources.
The minister also called for broader international cooperation to address environmental crimes, human trafficking and illegal fishing across the Gulf of Guinea.
In response, Ambassador Mignot reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting Nigeria and other West African countries through the programme, which focuses on sustainable fisheries management and protection of marine ecosystems.
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