The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said that Nigeria remains committed to ensuring the protection and sustainable management of ocean resources.
Oyetola added that the country would continue to play a pivotal role in driving inclusive, science-based, and economically viable ocean solutions.
According to a statement on Monday, Oyetola disclosed this when he joined world leaders and global dignitaries at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco.
The special event, held ahead of the United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice, France, was hosted by Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Held at the prestigious Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, the event drew significant international attention, with the presence of key figures like Prince William, Prince of Wales; French President Emmanuel Macron; and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
According to the statement, the event, which was themed around a regenerative blue economy and sustainable ocean finance, emphasised the urgent need for coordinated global action to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable use of ocean resources.
It added that leaders discussed accelerating the transition to a resilient ocean economy, scaling up funding for SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and aligning marine science with policymaking to safeguard the planet’s largest ecosystem.
“Nigeria’s participation in the event underscored the country’s growing commitment to ocean governance, maritime sustainability, and climate adaptation through its Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy,” the statement read in part.
The statement stated that Oyetola’s presence reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to engage actively on global platforms and collaborate with international partners to foster innovation, investment, and sustainable practices in its coastal and marine sectors.
Speaking further, Oyetola said, “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.”
On the sidelines of the event, the former Osun State Governor engaged with technical experts and institutional leaders to explore avenues for increased cooperation in blue economy development, marine conservation, and capacity building across the West and Central African subregion.
His participation further positioned Nigeria as a stakeholder in shaping ocean governance policies ahead of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, where key agreements and commitments to expand marine protected areas are expected to be discussed.
