Nigeria is exploring increased cooperation in blue economy development, marine conservation, and capacity building across West and Central Africa.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Mr Bolaji Akinola, emphasised the importance of collaboration among technical experts and institutional leaders to boost the blue economy sector in Africa.

The Minister, representing President Bola Tinubu at the United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice, France, said collaboration would support development, conservation, and capacity building across the West and Central African sub-region.

“Nigeria remains committed to protecting and sustainably managing ocean resources.

“We will continue to drive inclusive, science-based, and economically viable solutions for the ocean economy,” Mr Oyetola said, adding that coordinated global action is urgently needed to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable ocean resource use.

Mr Oyetola called for faster transition to a resilient ocean economy and increased funding for SDG-14 targets, stressing the need to align marine science with policymaking to safeguard the planet’s largest ecosystem.

The Minister further urged global commitment to expanding marine protected areas, reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to global engagement and international partnerships for innovation, investment, and sustainable marine practices.

Nigeria has been seeking to tap into the advantages that the blue economy offers, with President Bola Tinubu establishing the ministry in 2023.

The ministry has been charged to tap potentials ranging across several sectors like fishing, aquaculture, marine, renewable energy, and tourism.