President Bola Tinubu has issued a firm call for the swift ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and a substantial boost in funding for blue economy initiatives to safeguard and sustainably harness the world’s ocean resources.
The appeal was delivered at the United Nations Ocean Conference currently underway in Nice, France. The high-level summit, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, has drawn participation from over 120 countries under the theme: “Accelerating Action and Mobilising All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean.”
Representing President Tinubu at the forum, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, urged the international community to act collectively and without delay to protect ocean health for future generations.
He noted that, as a coastal nation, Nigeria sees the ocean as a vital source of economic value, natural capital, global food security, jobs, and sustainable livelihoods.
Reiterating Nigeria’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the President revealed that Nigeria has signed the BBNJ Agreement and begun the ratification process.
He pointed out that realising the treaty’s aim, particularly the designation of at least 30 percent of the world’s oceans as Marine Protected Areas by 2030, is central to achieving SDG 14.
However, he cautioned that this goal will only be met through coordinated global efforts, strong enforcement mechanisms, and effective monitoring systems capable of delivering tangible ecological results.
In a show of regional leadership, he said Nigeria has taken the lead among West African nations by endorsing a regional strategy to develop a proposal for establishing a High Seas Marine Protected Area in the Convergence Zone of the Canary and Guinea Currents.
Aligning with the conference’s objectives, he announced Nigeria’s support for the adoption of the draft Nice Ocean Action Declaration and Plan, calling on the international community, particularly investors and development partners, to step up with both financial backing and technical expertise to aid blue economy efforts in developing countries.
He argued that meaningful investment in blue finance and knowledge transfer in marine science is essential to drive evidence-based policymaking and grow sustainable ocean-based sectors.
President Tinubu also outlined several domestic steps Nigeria is taking to reinforce its ocean governance. These include: “The rollout of a National Blue Economy Policy designed to promote sustainable expansion into ocean-related industries.
“The development of a national roadmap for BBNJ treaty ratification and implementation.
“The revision of Nigeria’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to reflect international biodiversity targets.
“The creation of a National Policy on Marine Plastic Pollution to tackle land-based sources of marine waste.
“The enhancement of hydrographic surveys and updated maritime charting to improve navigational safety in Nigeria and across the Gulf of Guinea.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to address transboundary marine threats such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, marine dumping, and insufficient ocean surveillance. Strengthening data collection and enhancing regional capacity for ocean services, he said, are also national priorities.
The President reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to implementing international marine agreements and urged all countries to take decisive and immediate action to protect the oceans and prioritise SDG 14. He stressed that progress on the BBNJ Agreement and blue economy funding must be underpinned by political determination, scientific integrity, and global cooperation.
“Nigeria is fully prepared to collaborate with all partners in driving shared ocean goals forward,” he stated, calling on nations across the globe to rally behind this collective mission.
His remarks were echoed by other global leaders, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who warned that the world’s oceans are under mounting pressure.
He noted that oceans are absorbing 90 percent of excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions while contending with overfishing, rising temperatures, acidification, and a growing tide of plastic waste.
Nigeria’s delegation to the conference includes the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji; the Director of Maritime Safety and Security, Mr. Babatunde Bombata; and the Director of Fisheries, Mr. Wellington Omoragbon, among others.
