Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to the protection and sustainable management of ocean resources, with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, representing the country at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum held in Monaco.
According to a statement on Monday, Oyetola joined world leaders and dignitaries for the high-level event organised ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference scheduled to hold in Nice, France. The forum, hosted by Prince Albert II of Monaco, took place at the Grimaldi Forum and attracted prominent global figures including Prince William, the Prince of Wales, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Themed around building a regenerative blue economy and strengthening sustainable ocean finance, the event focused on the urgent need for a coordinated global approach to marine ecosystem protection, sustainable resource use, and ocean-related climate adaptation.
In his address, Oyetola stated, “Nigeria remains committed to ensuring the protection and sustainable management of ocean resources and will continue to play a pivotal role in driving inclusive, science-based, and economically viable ocean solutions.”
The Minister noted that Nigeria, through its newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, is taking active steps to promote maritime sustainability, strengthen ocean governance, and align marine science with national policymaking. He added that the country was keen on scaling up funding and innovation to support Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
On the sidelines of the event, Oyetola met with international experts and institutional leaders to explore greater cooperation in marine conservation, capacity development, and blue economy investment across West and Central Africa. These engagements are aimed at improving technical partnerships and strengthening Nigeria’s position in upcoming negotiations at the UN Ocean Conference in July.
The statement stressed that Nigeria’s participation in such global platforms demonstrates its intent to play a more active role in shaping international ocean policy, with a focus on protecting coastal communities, boosting maritime economic opportunities, and addressing climate change risks linked to the marine environment.
Oyetola, a former governor of Osun State, has in recent months spearheaded initiatives within the ministry to improve port infrastructure, maritime safety, and coastal resource management.
His presence in Monaco has positioned Nigeria as a committed stakeholder in global discussions on sustainable ocean governance, especially as the world prepares for binding commitments at the upcoming UN Ocean Conference.
