President Bola Tinubu has called for the urgent ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and increased global funding for blue economy projects to protect and sustainably manage ocean resources.

Represented by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, Tinubu stressed the need for collective global action to safeguard marine ecosystems for future generations.

Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14 and the AU Agenda 2063, noting the country’s progress in ratifying the BBNJ Agreement and its leadership in promoting a High Seas Marine Protected Area in West Africa.

He called for technical and financial support from the global community to advance marine conservation and tackle challenges like illegal fishing and ocean pollution.

He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s resolve to enhance ocean monitoring and data collection, urging all nations to take decisive steps to prioritise ocean health and sustainable use.