Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable ocean governance, maritime security, and the development of the blue economy as key drivers of economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Opening Ceremony of the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, said Nigeria remains committed to protecting ocean resources while harnessing their economic potential for national development.
The Minister conveyed President Tinubu’s goodwill message and expressed appreciation to the Kenyan Government, led by President William Ruto, for hosting the conference and providing a platform for global dialogue on ocean conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
Enikanolaiye described Nigeria as a major maritime nation with approximately 853 kilometres of coastline and significant interests in the Gulf of Guinea.
He noted that the country’s ocean resources are critical to food security, trade, energy production, and the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.
“Our oceans are not only a source of prosperity but also a pillar of sovereignty, security and climate resilience,” he said, adding that the health of the oceans directly influences Africa’s stability and economic prosperity.
The Minister minister highlighted the Tinubu administration’s decision to establish the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023, underscoring the government’s commitment to unlocking the vast potential of the maritime sector.
Nigeria also reaffirmed its support for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and called for stronger African collaboration to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which continues to threaten food security and economic stability across the continent.
According to Enikanolaiye, Nigeria has launched a National Blue Economy Action Plan aimed at developing fisheries, shipping, maritime tourism, and renewable energy sectors.
The initiative seeks to create five million ocean-based jobs by 2035, with a strong focus on youth and women.
He stressed the need for equitable financing and technology transfer to enable African coastal states maximize the benefits of their marine resources and strengthen economic development.
On climate action, Nigeria pledged to expand marine protected areas by 2030, restore 50 per cent of degraded mangrove ecosystems, and champion a continental campaign against single-use plastics.
The country also called for increased international support to address marine pollution and protect vulnerable coastal communities.
Enikanolaiye further highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role in implementing the Yaoundé Architecture for maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
He noted that through enhanced naval capabilities, modern surveillance technology, and regional cooperation, Nigeria has significantly reduced piracy incidents in the region, improving maritime safety and freedom of navigation.
The Minister emphasised the importance of partnerships among African countries, development institutions, the private sector, and civil society in promoting sustainable ocean governance and financing.
“Nigeria has come to Mombasa with a clear message: our ocean is our common heritage, and its future depends on the collective action we take today,” Enikanolaiye stated.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work with Kenya and other African coastal nations to advance ocean diplomacy, strengthen maritime security, and promote inclusive economic opportunities for future generations.
The 11th Our Ocean Conference brought together World leaders, Ministers, policymakers, environmental experts, and stakeholders from across the globe to discuss strategies for protecting marine ecosystems and advancing sustainable ocean economies.
