Nigeria eyes €59m EU ocean programme to tackle illegal fishing

Nigeria has expressed readiness to leverage the €59 million West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) to intensify efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and strengthen the sustainable management of its marine resources.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this during a meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.

The meeting focused on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the European Union on maritime security, ocean governance and the sustainable development of marine resources.

Oyetola described illegal fishing as a major threat to Nigeria’s marine ecosystem and coastal livelihoods, warning that the practice continues to deplete fish stocks, undermine food security and weaken the economic wellbeing of communities that depend on fishing activities.

According to the minister, IUU fishing poses broader risks beyond environmental degradation, affecting national security and economic stability.

“Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is a direct threat to national security, food sovereignty, and the survival of our coastal communities. We cannot afford to stand by and watch our marine ecosystems depleted and economic livelihoods eroded,” he said.

He stressed the need for stronger international collaboration, backed by enhanced monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, to curb illegal fishing activities and protect the country’s territorial waters.

Welcoming the EU envoy, Oyetola commended the European Union for its sustained partnership with Nigeria, particularly its support for maritime stability in the Gulf of Guinea, which remains a strategic corridor for global shipping and regional trade.

The minister noted that the WASOP initiative presents a significant opportunity for countries in the region to strengthen coordinated action against illegal fishing, improve ocean governance and promote the sustainable utilisation of marine resources.

He said Nigeria was prepared to actively participate in the programme to attract technical and financial support aimed at enhancing enforcement capabilities and advancing the country’s blue economy agenda.

Oyetola also highlighted ongoing reforms under the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which seeks to drive innovation, encourage private sector investment and ensure sustainable exploitation of ocean resources.

He cited improvements in port operations, logistics and maritime security, while noting that efforts were underway to expand maritime infrastructure and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade.

The minister further called for broader cooperation beyond anti-piracy initiatives, urging development partners to support Nigeria in tackling environmental crimes, human trafficking and illegal fishing through a more integrated approach.

He specifically sought increased technical assistance from the European Union in areas such as surveillance technology, fisheries monitoring and enforcement systems to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat illegal fishing across the Gulf of Guinea.

In his remarks, Mignot reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Nigeria and supporting regional efforts aimed at ensuring safer and more sustainable oceans.

He said the WASOP initiative, funded by the EU, was designed to promote integrated ocean governance, sustainable fisheries management and the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems across West Africa.

According to the ambassador, the programme will support improved coordination among coastal states, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and promote a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy in the region