Nigeria is pursuing €59 million in support from the European Union to strengthen sustainable management of marine resources and tackle illegal fishing. Multiple outlets report that the funding is linked to the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme, with Nigeria targeting implementation in 2026. Officials say the initiative focuses on combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which authorities describe as undermining fisheries and ocean governance.
The reports say Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, discusses the plan with the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot. Both sides reaffirm their commitment to cooperation under the EU ocean programme, with the stated goal of improving enforcement and management of Nigeria’s marine environment.
While the coverage centers on the funding amount and the fisheries objective, it consistently frames the EU contribution as part of broader efforts to promote sustainability and strengthen oversight of ocean resources. The reports do not detail specific project components beyond the focus on reducing IUU fishing.
