By Becky Momodu
Nigeria has called for stronger African collaboration to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, describing the practice as a major threat to food security and economic stability across the continent.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made the call on Wednesday at the High-Level Opening Ceremony of the 11th edition of the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya. The President was represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
Addressing delegates from across the world, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to rules-based ocean governance under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), stressing the need for coordinated action among African nations to protect marine resources.
He noted that Nigeria, as a major maritime nation with about 853 kilometres of coastline and significant interests in the Gulf of Guinea, views ocean resources as critical to food security, trade, energy and livelihoods.
The President said his administration had elevated the Blue Economy as a national priority through the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023, aimed at unlocking the vast potential of the country’s maritime sector.
According to him, Nigeria has launched a National Blue Economy Action Plan designed to drive inclusive growth through fisheries, shipping, maritime tourism and renewable energy.
Tinubu disclosed that the country plans to create five million ocean-based jobs by 2035, with special focus on youth and women, while ensuring that coastal communities benefit from ocean-related economic activities.
He also urged greater access to financing and technology transfer for African coastal states to enable them fully harness their marine resources and accelerate economic development.
On environmental sustainability, the President highlighted the importance of addressing the climate-ocean nexus and pledged Nigeria’s commitment to expanding marine protected areas by 2030 and restoring 50 per cent of degraded mangrove ecosystems.
He further advocated a continental initiative to eliminate single-use plastics and called for international support in tackling marine pollution, which he said threatens ecosystems and coastal livelihoods.
Speaking on maritime security, Tinubu underscored Nigeria’s leadership role within the Yaoundé Architecture for Gulf of Guinea security, emphasizing the importance of joint patrols, intelligence sharing and regional cooperation.
He noted that investments in modern technology and enhanced naval capabilities have significantly reduced piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, thereby improving freedom of navigation and commercial shipping within the region.
The President also stressed the need for stronger partnerships among African coastal states, development finance institutions, the private sector and civil society to mobilise sustainable financing for ocean governance and blue economy initiatives.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work with Kenya and other African countries to advance ocean diplomacy and ensure greater participation of women and youth in ocean governance and maritime economic opportunities.
“Our ocean is our common heritage and its future depends on the collective action we take today,” he said, adding that Nigeria remains committed to promoting maritime security, environmental sustainability and shared prosperity across Africa.
The Our Ocean Conference brings together governments, international organisations, civil society groups and private sector stakeholders to advance commitments aimed at protecting the world’s oceans and marine ecosystems.