Nigeria has taken an important step toward strengthening fisheries governance and protecting marine resources with the national validation workshop for its National Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, known as NPOA-IUU.
The workshop, held in Lagos, brought together representatives of key national institutions, fisheries sector stakeholders, technical experts and development partners to review, enrich and validate the draft National Action Plan. The process forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing activities in Nigerian waters and to address critical gaps in fisheries governance.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, the Secretary General of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, FCWC, commended the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for its continued commitment to sustainable fisheries management and the fight against IUU fishing.
He also expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for his leadership in advancing reforms that support responsible use of marine ecosystems, strengthen fisheries governance and promote the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s fisheries resources.
Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing remains one of the most serious threats to fisheries sustainability in the Gulf of Guinea and globally. It undermines fisheries management efforts, weakens national economies, reduces the incomes of coastal communities and threatens food security and livelihoods. For coastal States such as Nigeria, tackling IUU fishing requires strong national systems as well as effective cooperation among institutions, neighbouring countries, regional bodies and development partners.
The draft NPOA-IUU provides a strategic framework for Nigeria to strengthen prevention, control and surveillance mechanisms, improve institutional capacity, promote inter-agency and regional cooperation, and enhance the implementation of national and international fisheries regulations.
The two-day validation workshop was designed to enable national stakeholders to review the draft plan, provide technical inputs and recommendations, build consensus on its strategic directions, and agree on a roadmap for implementation. Participants included representatives from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Customs Service, Interpol Nigeria, Nigerian Marine Police, Federal Ministry of Justice, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, NITOA, development partners and the media.
The workshop also provided an opportunity for technical discussions on the strengths and gaps of the draft Action Plan. Through plenary sessions and working group discussions, participants reviewed proposed measures and contributed recommendations to ensure that the final document responds effectively to Nigeria’s national realities and fisheries priorities.
The expected outcomes include a reviewed and validated NPOA-IUU incorporating stakeholder inputs, a signed validation communiqué, a summary report of the proceedings and recommendations, and an agreed implementation timeline with clearly identified responsible institutions.
FCWC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its Member States in strengthening fisheries governance frameworks and implementing regional and international instruments to combat IUU fishing. The Secretary General emphasized that no country can effectively fight IUU fishing in isolation, noting that success depends on close cooperation among coastal States, regional organizations, development partners and private sector actors.
The validation of Nigeria’s NPOA-IUU represents a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to safeguard its marine resources, protect the livelihoods of fishing communities and promote a more sustainable and responsible blue economy.
Once adopted, the National Action Plan will serve as a practical guide for coordinated national action against IUU fishing and will contribute to broader regional efforts to improve fisheries management across the West Central Gulf of Guinea.
Lagos - Nigeria, 24-25 June 2026
Tina Nkansah Akuamoah, Communication Officer
