Nigeria has expressed its intention to participate fully in the €59 million West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) as it steps up efforts to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and improve the management of its marine resources.
The Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, shared this information in a statement made available on Sunday.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stated this during a meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja. During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on maritime security and sustainable ocean governance.
Oyetola welcomed the EU Ambassador and praised the European Union for its continued support to Nigeria, particularly its contributions to maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, a region that plays a key role in global shipping and regional economic growth.
He described WASOP as an important opportunity for West African countries to improve cooperation against illegal fishing, strengthen ocean governance and encourage the sustainable use of marine resources.
Oyetola said Nigeria intends to engage actively in the programme to secure technical and financial support that can strengthen enforcement efforts and support the country’s blue economy objectives.
The Minister pointed out that illegal fishing continues to threaten marine ecosystems and coastal communities. He noted that IUU fishing reduces fish stocks, affects food security and weakens the livelihoods of people who depend on coastal resources.
He stated that illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing poses serious risks to national security, food security and coastal communities. He called for stronger international cooperation, better monitoring systems and stricter enforcement measures to eliminate illegal fishing activities and protect marine resources.
Oyetola also highlighted reforms taking place under Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which focuses on innovation, private sector participation and the sustainable development of ocean resources.
He noted progress in port operations, logistics and maritime security, adding that Nigeria is also investing in maritime infrastructure and measures aimed at improving its position in international trade.
The Minister further called for wider collaboration beyond efforts to combat piracy. He encouraged development partners to support Nigeria in addressing environmental crimes, human trafficking and illegal fishing through a more coordinated approach.
He also requested additional technical support from the European Union, especially in surveillance technology, fisheries monitoring and enforcement capabilities, to help Nigeria combat IUU fishing across the Gulf of Guinea.
Ambassador Gautier Mignot reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to working closely with Nigeria and supporting regional efforts to achieve safer and more sustainable use of ocean resources.
He explained that WASOP is a major EU-funded programme designed to strengthen ocean governance, improve fisheries management and protect coastal and marine ecosystems across West Africa.
According to Mignot, the programme will help coastal countries improve coordination, strengthen enforcement measures and support the growth of a more sustainable and inclusive blue economy.
In May, the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) announced the launch of the €59 million West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme, which aims to support climate resilience across the region.
PMAWCA stated that the European Union is funding the initiative, which will run in 13 West African countries in partnership with Expertise France.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority and President of PMAWCA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, announced the programme in Lagos during the association’s Mid-Year Board of Directors meeting.
Dantsoho described the initiative as one of the most significant projects undertaken by PMAWCA in recent years.
He said the programme reflects the opportunities within the blue economy and aligns with PMAWCA’s commitment to promoting sustainable economic development across West and Central Africa. He added that the organisation’s focus on the green economy also informed its support for WASOP, a five-year initiative running from 2024 to 2029 that aims to promote a climate-resilient blue economy in partnership with Expertise France.
source: punchng.com
African Maritime Council