FG targets N93bn EU support to combat illegal fishing
The Federal Government is seeking to tap into a €59 million, about N93 billion, European Union-funded programme to strengthen efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and advance the development of its blue economy. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this during a meeting with EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, […]
European Union (EU)
The Federal Government is seeking to tap into a €59 million, about N93 billion, European Union-funded programme to strengthen efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and advance the development of its blue economy.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this during a meeting with EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to maritime security and sustainable ocean governance.
Oyetola said the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) offers Nigeria an opportunity to secure technical and financial support to improve fisheries monitoring, enforcement capacity and ocean governance.
He described IUU fishing as a major threat to marine ecosystems, food security and the livelihoods of coastal communities, stressing the need for stronger international cooperation and enhanced surveillance to curb the menace.
The minister also highlighted reforms under the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, including improvements in port operations, maritime security and infrastructure development aimed at boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.
He urged development partners to support Nigeria in tackling environmental crimes, human trafficking and illegal fishing through a coordinated regional approach.
Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to maritime cooperation with Nigeria and highlighted WASOP as a key initiative to strengthen ocean governance, sustainable fisheries management and the protection of marine ecosystems across West Africa.
According to him, the programme will enhance collaboration among coastal states, strengthen enforcement mechanisms and promote a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy in the region.