Nigeria Seeks to Utilize €59m European Union Allocation to Combat Unlawful Fishing Practices

Nigeria aims to secure €59 million in EU support through the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme in 2026 to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, according to Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola.

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Minister Oyetola made this disclosure during a meeting with European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on maritime security and sustainable ocean governance.

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The Minister commended the European Union for its longstanding partnership with Nigeria, particularly its support for maritime stability in the Gulf of Guinea, a region crucial to global shipping and regional economic development.

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The West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme presents a timely opportunity to strengthen coordinated action against illegal fishing, improve ocean governance, and promote sustainable exploitation of marine resources across West Africa, according to Minister Oyetola.

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Nigeria is keen to engage with the programme to attract technical and financial support that will enhance enforcement capacity and boost the country's blue economy ambitions, Minister Oyetola noted.

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Illegal fishing remains a major threat to the marine ecosystem and coastal livelihoods, with IUU fishing depleting fish stocks, undermining food security, and eroding the economic wellbeing of coastal communities, he warned.

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Minister Oyetola stated that IUU fishing is a direct threat to national security, food sovereignty, and the survival of coastal communities, emphasizing the need for stronger international collaboration and aggressive monitoring to dismantle these illicit operations.

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He called for an era of stronger international collaboration, backed by aggressive monitoring and uncompromised enforcement systems, to permanently dismantle IUU fishing operations and safeguard Nigeria's waters.

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Minister Oyetola also highlighted ongoing reforms in Nigeria's maritime sector under the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which prioritises innovation, private-sector investment, and the sustainable development of ocean resources.

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He reiterated the need for broader cooperation beyond piracy control, urging development partners to support Nigeria in addressing environmental crimes, human trafficking, and illegal fishing in a more integrated and coordinated manner.

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Minister Oyetola called for increased technical assistance from the European Union, particularly in surveillance systems, fisheries monitoring, and enforcement capacity to strengthen Nigeria's ability to curb IUU fishing across the Gulf of Guinea.

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Ambassador Gautier Mignot earlier reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Nigeria and supporting regional efforts to ensure safer, more sustainable oceans.

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According to Ambassador Mignot, the programme will support improved coordination among coastal states, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and promote a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy in the region.