Nigeria has expressed readiness to leverage the €59 million West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) to strengthen efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and promote sustainable management of the country’s marine resources.
Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, disclosed this in Abuja during a meeting with Gautier Mignot, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on maritime security and sustainable ocean governance.
According to a statement signed by Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister, Oyetola commended the European Union for its longstanding partnership with Nigeria, particularly its support for maritime stability in the Gulf of Guinea, a region considered critical to global shipping and regional economic development.
The minister described the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme as a timely intervention that would strengthen coordinated action against illegal fishing, improve ocean governance and encourage sustainable exploitation of marine resources across West Africa.
He noted that Nigeria is eager to participate fully in the programme to attract technical and financial support that will enhance enforcement capacity and advance the country’s blue economy agenda.
