Nigeria seeks EU support for sustainable ocean programme
Nigeria is aiming to benefit from the €59m West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme to address illegal fishing and improve marine resource management. Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, emphasized the importance of international collaboration and technical support. The initiative is backed by the European Union and involves 13 West African countries. Bolaji Akinola, Gautier Mignot, and Abubakar Dantsoho also highlighted the programme’s significance for regional maritime security and economic growth.
TLDR
- Adegboyega Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to engage with the EU-funded ocean programme for better maritime security and sustainable development.
- The €59m West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme targets illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and supports blue economy ambitions.
- The initiative will be implemented in 13 West African countries, in partnership with Expertise France, to promote climate resilience and sustainable fisheries.
- Abubakar Dantsoho described the programme as a major step for the region, focusing on innovation, private sector investment, and improved port operations.
- The European Union, through Gautier Mignot, reiterated its commitment to supporting Nigeria and the region in achieving safer and more sustainable oceans.
