…Oyetola equally noted that Nigeria has signed the BBNJ Agreement and begun its ratification process, supporting the global target of designating 30% of the ocean as Marine Protected Areas by 2030
WED JUNE 11 2025-theGBJournal| Nigeria has called for the urgent ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and increased funding for blue economy initiatives to ensure a healthy and sustainable ocean future.
Delivering Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the ongoing UN Ocean Conference in Nice, stressed the need for collective global action to safeguard the ocean for future generations.
Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment, as a coastal state rich in marine resources, to Sustainable Development Goal 14, African Union Agenda 2063 and The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Oyetola equally noted that Nigeria has signed the BBNJ Agreement and begun its ratification process, supporting the global target of designating 30% of the ocean as Marine Protected Areas by 2030.
Demonstrating regional leadership, he said, Nigeria is also driving efforts to establish a High Seas Marine Protected Area in the Canary–Guinea Currents convergence zone.
The Minister then called for, Stronger blue finance, Greater marine science transfer and Enhanced technical support for developing nations.
According to the Minister, domestically, Nigeria is advancing a new National Blue Economy Policy, a roadmap for BBNJ implementation, a policy on Marine Plastic Pollution, Modern hydrographic surveys as well as strengthened action against IUU fishing and marine dumping.
Nigeria, he said, ”stands ready to work with all stakeholders to secure the ocean’s future” while urging bold action, global cooperation, and full implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.
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