Nigeria Seeks N93bn EU Support to Combat Illegal Fishing

The Nigerian government is targeting N93 billion in support from the European Union to combat illegal fishing, as disclosed by Minister of Marine Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola during a meeting with EU Ambassador to Nigeria Gautier Mignot in Abuja. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to maritime security and sustainable ocean governance.

Oyetola noted that the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) offers Nigeria opportunities for technical and financial support to improve fisheries monitoring and enforcement capacity. He described illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing as a major threat to marine ecosystems, food security, and the livelihoods of coastal communities, stressing the need for stronger international cooperation to enhance surveillance and curb these threats.

Oyetola highlighted the importance of reforming national policies in marine blue economy, including improving port operations and maritime security infrastructure to boost Nigeria's competitiveness in global trade. Mignot reaffirmed the EU's commitment to maritime cooperation with Nigeria and emphasized the need for collaboration among coastal states to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and promote a sustainable blue economy in the region.