Nigeria has moved to secure a major €59 million support package under the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) to intensify its fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing while strengthening the long-term sustainability of its marine resources. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to protect the country’s coastal economy and ocean ecosystem.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this in Abuja during a high-level meeting with European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deeper cooperation on maritime security, ocean governance, and sustainable fisheries management across the Gulf of Guinea region.
Oyetola praised the European Union’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria, noting its consistent support in promoting maritime stability in West Africa. He stressed that illegal fishing remains a serious threat to national security, food supply, and the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend heavily on marine resources for survival and income.
He warned that continued illegal fishing activities are rapidly depleting fish stocks and weakening Nigeria’s blue economy ambitions. According to him, Nigeria is seeking stronger international collaboration, improved surveillance systems, and enhanced enforcement capacity to effectively dismantle illegal operations and protect its waters from further exploitation.
In response, EU Ambassador Gautier Mignot reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through the WASOP initiative, which aims to improve ocean governance, strengthen fisheries monitoring, and enhance cooperation among West African coastal states. The programme is expected to promote a more sustainable and secure maritime environment while boosting regional economic development.
source: The sun