Nigeria rallies global support for ocean protection, IMO council bid

Nigeria has called on the global community to urgently ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and scale up funding support for blue economy initiatives in developing countries, warning that failure to act now could undermine efforts to protect and sustainably manage the world’s oceans.

Speaking at the ongoing United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, said the health of global oceans demands bold action, stronger partnerships, and increased financing, particularly for developing nations.

Delivering the country’s national statement, Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14 and urged states to translate pledges into concrete outcomes.

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“Nigeria has signed the BBNJ Agreement and begun the ratification process,” the Minister announced, noting that the country has also adopted a national roadmap for its implementation. He stressed that designating at least 30 percent of the global ocean as marine protected areas by 2030, a core aim of the treaty, requires collective commitment and credible enforcement.

Oyetola also revealed that Nigeria is leading a regional effort among West African nations to establish a highly protected marine area in the Convergence Zone of the Canary and Guinea Currents, a step he said demonstrates Nigeria’s readiness to provide continental leadership on ocean governance.

In the aspect of funding, Oyetola called for greater investment in developing countries to support marine conservation, data collection, and ocean-based industries. He said meaningful blue finance, technical expertise, and marine science transfer are critical to unlock the full potential of the blue economy while safeguarding ocean ecosystems.

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On the sidelines of the conference, the Minister also launched a diplomatic push for Nigeria’s bid to secure a seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council. He met with leaders from island nations, including Papua New Guinea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Tuvalu, countries with shared maritime vulnerabilities.

Oyetola told his counterparts that Nigeria’s bid is part of a broader vision to ensure stronger representation for developing and vulnerable coastal states in global maritime decision-making. He promised that Nigeria would be a consistent voice for equitable regulations, climate-resilient shipping, and practical cooperation between Africa and small island nations.

Domestically, Nigeria has introduced several initiatives to strengthen ocean governance, including a National Blue Economy Policy, a policy on marine plastic pollution, an updated biodiversity strategy, and enhanced hydrographic surveys to support safer navigation across Nigerian waters.