Abuja: Nigeria has announced plans to leverage the €59 million West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP), funded by the European Union, 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. The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos by the Minister’s Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola.
Oyetola described IUU fishing as a major threat to marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
He warned that the practice 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,” he said.
The minister commended the EU for its longstanding support for maritime stability in the Gulf of Guinea, noting that the region is critical to global shipping and regional economic development.
He said WASOP presents a timely opportunity to strengthen action against illegal fishing, improve ocean governance and promote sustainable resource exploitation.
According to him, Nigeria is eager to engage fully with the programme to attract technical and financial support that would enhance enforcement capacity and advance the country’s blue economy objectives.
He highlighted reforms under the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which prioritise 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, adding that Nigeria is expanding maritime infrastructure and improving competitiveness in global trade.
He urged development partners to support Nigeria in tackling environmental crimes, human trafficking and illegal fishing through coordinated action.
Ambassador Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Nigeria.
He said WASOP would promote integrated ocean governance and sustainable fisheries management, while supporting the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems across West Africa.
He added that the programme would improve coordination among coastal states, strengthen enforcement mechanisms and promote an inclusive blue economy.