Nigeria has expressed its readiness to utilise the €59 million West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) to strengthen efforts against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and promote the sustainable management of marine resources.

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 meeting focused on expanding cooperation between Nigeria and the European Union in the areas of maritime security, ocean governance and sustainable marine resource development.

Oyetola described illegal fishing as a major threat to Nigeria’s marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of coastal communities, warning that the practice continues to deplete fish stocks, undermine food security and weaken economic activities dependent on fishing.

According to him, the challenge extends beyond environmental concerns and poses significant risks to national security and economic stability.

“Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing is a direct threat to national security, food sovereignty and the survival of our coastal communities. We cannot afford to stand by and watch our marine ecosystems depleted and economic livelihoods eroded,” he said.

The minister stressed the need for stronger international cooperation, improved monitoring systems and more effective enforcement mechanisms to curb illegal fishing and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial waters.

He commended the European Union for its continued partnership with Nigeria, particularly in supporting maritime stability in the Gulf of Guinea, a strategic route for international shipping and regional trade.

Oyetola said the WASOP initiative provides an important opportunity for West African countries to coordinate efforts against illegal fishing, strengthen ocean governance and encourage sustainable use of marine resources.

He added that Nigeria is prepared to participate actively in the programme to attract technical and financial support that will enhance enforcement capacity and advance the country’s blue economy agenda.

The minister also highlighted reforms under the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, aimed at driving innovation, attracting private investment and ensuring sustainable utilisation of ocean resources.

He noted improvements in port operations, logistics and maritime security, while revealing that efforts are ongoing to expand maritime infrastructure and boost Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.

Oyetola further called for broader international support beyond anti-piracy efforts, urging development partners to assist Nigeria in addressing environmental crimes, human trafficking and illegal fishing through a coordinated approach.

He specifically requested greater technical assistance from the European Union in areas such as surveillance technology, fisheries monitoring and enforcement systems.

In his remarks, Ambassador Mignot reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Nigeria and supporting initiatives aimed at ensuring safer and more sustainable oceans.

He explained that the WASOP programme is designed to promote 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 support the development of a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy across the region.