Nigeria Emphasizes Urgent Global Action to Protect the Oceans at UN Ocean Conference

Strategic Insights -

Delivering Nigeria's national statement at the ongoing United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, highlighted the need for collective global action to safeguard the health of the oceans for future generations. As a coastal state, Nigeria recognizes the ocean as a vital source of wealth, natural capital, and employment opportunities. The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to achieving the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 14, the African Union Agenda 2063, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nigeria has signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement and commenced its ratification process, pledging to designate at least 30 percent of the global ocean as Marine Protected Areas by 2030.
  • The Minister emphasized the need for collective commitment to robust monitoring and enforcement frameworks to guarantee positive ecological outcomes.
  • Nigeria has spearheaded efforts among West African nations to develop a regional roadmap for a highly protected High Seas Marine Protected Area in the Convergence Zone of the Canary and Guinea Currents.
  • The country supports the adoption of the draft Nice Ocean Action Declaration and Plan, calling for assistance in blue finance and marine science to foster sustainable ocean-based sectors.
  • Nigeria is implementing domestic initiatives such as a National Blue Economy Policy, a national roadmap for BBNJ treaty ratification, and a National Policy on Marine Plastic Pollution.
  • The Minister stressed the need for enhanced ocean monitoring, stronger data collection, and improved regional capacity for ocean services.
  • Nigeria is committed to implementing ocean-related multilateral agreements and calls for bold and urgent actions to protect the oceans.

Statistics:

  • Over 120 member states are participating in the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice.
  • The world's oceans absorb 90 percent of excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Nigeria has already signed the BBNJ Agreement, and the ratification process is underway.
  • 30 percent of the global ocean is targeted for designation as Marine Protected Areas by 2030.
  • The total value of the ocean's contribution to the world's gross domestic product is approximately $1.5 trillion annually. (Source: World Bank)

Sources:

  • [1] Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, delivering Nigeria's national statement at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice.
  • [2] Office of the President of Nigeria, Nigeria News Today, "Nigeria Emphasizes Urgent Global Action to Protect the Oceans at UN Ocean Conference".