Nigeria has announced its readiness to participate fully in the €59 million West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP), a major initiative aimed at improving ocean governance, fighting illegal fishing, and promoting the sustainable use of marine resources across West Africa.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this known during a meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja. The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and the European Union in maritime security and sustainable ocean management.
Oyetola praised the EU for its continued support of Nigeria, especially in efforts to maintain security and stability in the Gulf of Guinea, one of the world’s most important shipping routes. He noted that the WASOP initiative comes at a crucial time when countries in the region are seeking stronger measures to protect their marine resources and coastal communities.
According to the minister, Nigeria intends to take full advantage of the programme to secure technical expertise and financial assistance that will help strengthen the country’s maritime enforcement systems and support the growth of its blue economy.
A major concern highlighted during the meeting was illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Oyetola described the practice as a serious threat to marine ecosystems, food security, and the livelihoods of people living in coastal communities.
He warned that illegal fishing continues to reduce fish populations, damage the environment, and weaken the economic activities of communities that depend on fishing. He stressed that stronger international cooperation, advanced monitoring systems, and stricter enforcement measures are necessary to stop illegal activities in Nigerian waters and across the region.
The minister also pointed to ongoing reforms under Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy. These reforms focus on attracting private investment, encouraging innovation, and ensuring the sustainable use of ocean resources.
He said the country has already recorded improvements in port operations, logistics, and maritime security, while efforts are ongoing to expand maritime infrastructure and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in international trade.
Beyond piracy, Oyetola urged international partners to work more closely with Nigeria in addressing other maritime challenges, including environmental crimes, human trafficking, and illegal fishing. He specifically called for additional support from the European Union in areas such as surveillance technology, fisheries monitoring, and enforcement capacity.
In response, Ambassador Mignot reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting Nigeria and other West African countries in building safer and more sustainable oceans. He explained that WASOP is designed to improve fisheries management, strengthen ocean governance, and protect coastal and marine ecosystems throughout the region.
The programme is expected to improve collaboration among coastal nations, strengthen enforcement efforts, and promote the development of an inclusive blue economy.
The initiative, funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with Expertise France, will run from 2024 to 2029 across 13 West African countries. It was recently described by the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa as one of the most significant regional projects aimed at promoting climate resilience and sustainable economic growth through the blue economy.
Industry leaders believe the programme will help unlock new opportunities in marine transportation, fisheries, environmental protection, and coastal development while ensuring that ocean resources remain available for future generations.
