Oyetola Seeks €59m EU Support To Tackle Illegal Fishing In Nigerian Waters
The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to leverage the €59 million West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) to strengthen efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and improve the sustainable management of marine resources.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stated this during a meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced cooperation on maritime security and ocean governance.
Oyetola commended the European Union for its continued support for maritime stability in the Gulf of Guinea, describing the region as vital to global shipping and regional economic growth.
According to the minister, the WASOP initiative presents a significant opportunity to boost coordinated action against illegal fishing, improve ocean governance and promote the sustainable use of marine resources across West Africa.
He said Nigeria is prepared to actively participate in the programme to attract technical and financial assistance aimed at strengthening enforcement capabilities and advancing the country’s blue economy agenda.
Oyetola noted that illegal fishing remains a major threat to marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods, warning that the practice continues to deplete fish stocks, undermine food security and weaken the economic prospects of coastal communities.
He stressed the need for stronger international collaboration, enhanced monitoring systems and effective enforcement measures to combat illicit fishing activities and protect marine resources.
The minister also highlighted ongoing reforms under the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which seeks to drive innovation, attract private sector investment and ensure sustainable development of ocean resources.
He cited improvements in port operations, logistics and maritime security, while noting that efforts are ongoing to expand maritime infrastructure and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.
Oyetola further called for broader international cooperation beyond piracy suppression, urging development partners to support Nigeria in tackling environmental crimes, human trafficking and illegal fishing through a coordinated approach.
He specifically requested increased technical support from the European Union in areas such as surveillance technology, fisheries monitoring and enforcement capacity.
Earlier, EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Nigeria and supporting regional initiatives aimed at promoting safer and more sustainable oceans.
Mignot said the WASOP programme is designed to enhance integrated ocean governance, sustainable fisheries management and the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems across West Africa.
According to him, the initiative will improve coordination among coastal states, strengthen enforcement mechanisms and promote a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy throughout the region.
