Nigeria Seeks €59 Million EU Fund to Combat Illegal Fishing

By Godwin Oritse

Nigeria is seeking €59 million in European Union support through the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP) to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in 2026.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola revealed the target during a meeting with European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot. Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on maritime security and sustainable ocean governance.

Oyetola praised the EU for its longstanding partnership with Nigeria, especially its backing of maritime stability in the Gulf of Guinea—a region vital to global shipping and regional economic development.

He said the WASOP offers 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 Oyetola, Nigeria is eager to fully engage with the programme to secure technical and financial assistance that will enhance enforcement capacity and advance the country’s blue‑economy ambitions.

He warned that IUU fishing remains a major threat to the marine ecosystem and coastal livelihoods, depleting fish stocks, undermining food security, and eroding 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. We cannot afford to stand by and watch our marine ecosystems depleted and economic livelihoods eroded,” he said. “We are calling for an era of stronger international collaboration, backed by aggressive monitoring and uncompromised enforcement systems, to permanently dismantle these illicit operations and safeguard our waters.”

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 sustainable development of ocean resources.

He urged development partners to broaden cooperation beyond piracy control, supporting Nigeria in addressing environmental crimes, human trafficking, and illegal fishing in a more integrated and coordinated manner. He called for increased technical assistance from the EU, particularly in surveillance systems, fisheries monitoring, and enforcement capacity to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to curb IUU fishing across the Gulf of Guinea.

Earlier in the meeting, Ambassador Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Nigeria and supporting regional efforts to ensure safer and more sustainable oceans. He noted that the programme will support improved coordination among coastal states, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and promote a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy in the region.

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