At the ongoing United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, Nigeria has stepped into the global spotlight with a powerful appeal for the ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. The country also called for increased financial and technical support to protect marine ecosystems, particularly in developing nations facing the brunt of ocean degradation.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, delivered a stirring national statement focused on one urgent message: the time to act for the oceans is now.
“Our oceans are in crisis,” Oyetola warned, speaking to delegates from over 120 countries. “They are a reservoir of immense natural wealth and biodiversity. But without coordinated global effort, we risk losing these marine treasures forever.”
The conference, themed “Accelerating Action and Mobilising All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean,” aims to fast-track efforts to reverse the alarming decline in ocean health. Jointly hosted by France and Costa Rica, it has drawn international leaders, scientists, and activists to strategize on marine conservation.
Ocean Life at Risk
Nigeria’s strong position at the summit stems from its status as a coastal nation rich in marine biodiversity—from endangered sea turtles off its Atlantic coastline to unique fish species in the Gulf of Guinea. These marine ecosystems are not only vital to ecological balance but also support livelihoods, food security, and economic development for millions.
Minister Oyetola emphasized that Nigeria has already signed the BBNJ Agreement, a landmark treaty aimed at protecting biodiversity in areas of the ocean beyond national jurisdictions—commonly known as the High Seas. These areas make up over 60% of the world’s oceans and are home to species ranging from deep-sea corals to migratory whales that have no national boundaries.
“This treaty is critical if we want to designate at least 30% of the global ocean as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by 2030,” he stated. “But signing is not enough—we must ratify and implement.”
The Minister warned that only a global commitment to robust monitoring and enforcement can ensure real ecological outcomes. Without effective frameworks, marine life will continue to face threats such as habitat destruction, overfishing, and ocean dumping.
Nigeria’s Regional Leadership in Marine Protection
Oyetola also highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to lead conservation initiatives in the West African region. Notably, the country is working with neighboring nations to develop a proposal for a High Seas Marine Protected Area in the convergence zone between the Canary and Guinea Currents—a biodiversity hotspot rich in marine species, including migratory birds, whales, and sharks.
These waters, long exploited by industrial fishing and shipping, require urgent protection to preserve their ecological functions and marine life.
National Policies Supporting Marine Conservation
At home, Nigeria is rolling out a number of policies and programs to reinforce its ocean governance:
A National Blue Economy Policy to encourage sustainable ocean-based industries.
A roadmap for BBNJ treaty ratification and implementation.
A National Marine Plastic Pollution Policy targeting land-based waste before it reaches the sea.
Ongoing hydrographic surveys and charting schemes to enhance navigation safety and protect underwater ecosystems.
These efforts are designed not only to conserve marine biodiversity but also to promote sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities whose survival is intertwined with the ocean’s health.
Blue Economy: A Lifeline for Developing Nations
Oyetola called on international development partners to invest more heavily in “blue finance” and the transfer of marine science to developing countries. Without adequate funding, many coastal nations may lack the capacity to enforce conservation zones or monitor illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing—a major threat to marine biodiversity and local economies.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to ocean-related multilateral agreements, including SDG 14 (Life Below Water), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
“Our oceans are suffering from cumulative stress—acidification, warming, overfishing, and plastic pollution. But through cooperation, science, and willpower, we can turn the tide,” he said.
A Global Call to Action
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres echoed Nigeria’s concerns, warning that the world’s oceans are absorbing over 90% of the heat generated by greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed that without immediate and bold action, marine ecosystems may reach irreversible tipping points.
Nigeria’s delegation to the conference includes high-level officials such as the Permanent Secretary of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; NIMASA’s Director-General Dr. Dayo Mobereola; and NIWA’s Managing Director Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, among others.
As the conference progresses, Nigeria’s call stands clear: protecting ocean life is not a luxury—it is a necessity. And for developing countries on the frontlines of climate and biodiversity loss, the world must step up with the resources and resolve to preserve marine life for generations to come.
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