President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for urgent global action to protect the world’s oceans, advocating for the prompt ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and increased funding for blue economy initiatives, particularly in developing countries.
The appeal was delivered on his behalf by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, during Nigeria’s national statement at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France. The conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, has drawn participation from over 120 nations under the theme “Accelerating Action and Mobilising All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean.”
Oyetola emphasized that the oceans are critical to global food security, employment, and climate resilience, and called for collective global action to safeguard them for future generations.
“Nigeria recognizes the ocean as a repository of tremendous wealth, natural capital, and sustainable livelihoods,” he said. “We are committed to Sustainable Development Goal 14, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.”
He noted that Nigeria has already signed the BBNJ Agreement and begun its ratification process. The agreement aims to designate at least 30 percent of the global ocean as Marine Protected Areas by 2030—a target he described as essential to achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Highlighting Nigeria’s leadership in the West African region, Oyetola said the country is spearheading efforts to designate a highly protected High Seas Marine Protected Area in the Convergence Zone of the Canary and Guinea Currents.
He also voiced Nigeria’s support for the adoption of the draft Nice Ocean Action Declaration and Plan, calling on the global community to provide technical and financial support to blue economy projects in developing countries.
“Meaningful contributions in blue finance and marine science are critical to enable better policymaking and foster sustainable ocean-based sectors,” he said.
Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to tackling transboundary ocean challenges, including illegal fishing, marine dumping, and the need for enhanced data and monitoring capacity. He urged all nations to take bold action to protect the oceans and prioritize SDG 14 to preserve marine resources for future generations.
He concluded with a strong call for political will, scientific collaboration, and international solidarity to advance shared ocean priorities: “Nigeria remains fully committed to working with all stakeholders and urges every state to join in this vital effort.”
