The move forms part of a broader strategy by the Federal Government to protect marine resources, improve food security, and unlock greater economic value from the country's growing blue economy.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this during a meeting with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deeper collaboration on maritime security, sustainable fisheries management, and ocean governance.
Oyetola commended the European Union for its longstanding support to Nigeria, particularly in promoting maritime stability within the Gulf of Guinea, one of the world's most strategic shipping corridors and a critical hub for regional trade and economic activities.
According to the minister, the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme presents an important opportunity for Nigeria and other coastal nations in the region to strengthen coordinated action against illegal fishing, improve ocean governance structures, and ensure the sustainable use of marine resources.
He noted that Nigeria is eager to fully participate in the programme in order to attract both technical expertise and financial assistance that would enhance surveillance, enforcement, and monitoring capabilities within the country's maritime domain.
The minister warned that illegal fishing continues to pose a significant threat to marine biodiversity, food production, and the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on fishing and related activities for survival.
He stressed that the growing activities of illegal fishing operators are contributing to declining fish stocks, weakening coastal economies, and undermining national efforts to achieve sustainable development in the maritime sector.
"Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) 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," Oyetola said.
He added: "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."
Beyond the challenge of illegal fishing, the minister highlighted ongoing reforms being implemented under Nigeria's National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which seeks to drive innovation, attract private sector investment, create jobs, and ensure the sustainable development of the nation's ocean resources.
Oyetola also called for a broader and more integrated approach to maritime security, noting that attention should not be limited to piracy alone. He urged international development partners to support Nigeria's efforts in tackling environmental crimes, human trafficking, and other illicit activities occurring within the maritime environment.
The minister further advocated increased technical assistance from the European Union, particularly in the areas of maritime surveillance technology, fisheries monitoring systems, data gathering, and enforcement capacity, all of which he said are critical to effectively curbing IUU fishing activities across the Gulf of Guinea.
Earlier, Ambassador Gautier Mignot reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to strengthening maritime cooperation with Nigeria and supporting regional initiatives aimed at building safer, healthier, and more sustainable oceans.
He described the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme as a major EU-funded initiative designed to promote integrated ocean governance, sustainable fisheries management, and the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems across West Africa.
According to the ambassador, the programme will help improve coordination among coastal states, strengthen enforcement mechanisms against maritime crimes, and support the development of a more inclusive and sustainable blue economy throughout the region.
The renewed partnership between Nigeria and the European Union is expected to enhance regional efforts to protect marine resources, improve economic opportunities for coastal communities, and address the growing challenges posed by illegal fishing and other transnational maritime crimes.