President Bola Tinubu has called for the swift ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and greater financial support for blue economy initiatives to protect and ensure the sustainable use of the world’s oceans.
Delivering Nigeria’s national statement at the ongoing United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, on behalf of President Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stressed that urgent and collective global action is essential to safeguard the oceans for future generations.
The high-level conference, jointly hosted by France and Costa Rica, has drawn participation from more than 120 UN member states under the theme: “Accelerating Action and Mobilising All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean.”
Nigeria Backs Marine Protection and Sustainable Ocean Use
In a statement shared by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Bolaji Akinola, and made available to Channels Television on Wednesday, Oyetola highlighted the critical importance of the ocean to Nigeria’s economy.
“As a coastal state,” he noted, “Nigeria recognises the ocean as a repository of tremendous wealth, natural capital, global food security, employment opportunities, and sustainable livelihoods.”
He added that Nigeria remains firmly committed to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), alongside the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
According to Oyetola, Nigeria has already signed the BBNJ Agreement and commenced its ratification process. He noted that full implementation—especially the goal of designating at least 30% of global oceans as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by 2030—is critical to advancing SDG 14.
Strengthening Regional Leadership in Ocean Governance
Oyetola warned that realizing these goals demands collective global commitment and robust enforcement mechanisms that ensure effective marine conservation.
“Demonstrating regional leadership, he said Nigeria has also spearheaded efforts among West African nations, validating a regional roadmap for the development of a proposal to designate a highly protected High Seas Marine Protected Area in the Convergence Zone of the Canary and Guinea Currents.”
Aligned with the UN conference’s objectives, the minister expressed Nigeria’s support for the Nice Ocean Action Declaration and Plan. He also urged the international community—especially investors and development partners—to provide technical expertise and increased financial resources for blue economy projects in developing countries.
Combatting Marine Threats and Promoting Blue Finance
Oyetola reiterated the need to address cross-border threats such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, marine dumping, and inadequate ocean monitoring. He called for stronger data collection and improved regional capacities for delivering ocean services.
He also stressed the importance of marine science transfer and blue finance to improve policy-making and expand sustainable ocean-based industries.
“He stressed that prompt ratification of the BBNJ Agreement and increased funding for blue economy initiatives are crucial next steps that must be backed by political will, scientific rigor, and global cooperation. He affirmed that Nigeria remains fully committed to working with all stakeholders to advance shared ocean priorities and urged every state to join in this vital effort,” the statement added.
