Nigeria is targeting €59 million in support from the European Union to fight illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. The funding would come through the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP).

The announcement was made by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, during a meeting with the EU Ambassador to Nigeria.

Minister Oyetola disclosed the plan while speaking with Ambassador Gautier Mignot in Abuja. He commended the European Union for its longstanding partnership with Nigeria, especially in supporting maritime stability in the Gulf of Guinea.

He noted that the WASOP programme presents a timely opportunity to strengthen coordinated action against illegal fishing across West Africa.

According to the Minister, illegal fishing remains a major threat to the marine ecosystem and coastal livelihoods. He warned that it continues to deplete fish stocks, undermine food security, and hurt the economic wellbeing of coastal communities. “Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is a direct threat to national security, food sovereignty, and the survival of our coastal communities,” Oyetola said.

The Minister emphasized that Nigeria is keen to fully engage with the programme to attract technical and financial support. He called for increased assistance from the EU, particularly in surveillance systems, fisheries monitoring, and enforcement capacity. He also highlighted ongoing reforms under the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which prioritizes innovation and sustainable development of ocean resources.

In his remarks, Ambassador Gautier Mignot reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Nigeria. He stated that the programme will support improved coordination among coastal states and promote a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy in the region. For now, Nigeria continues to push for stronger international collaboration to permanently dismantle illegal fishing operations in its waters.