President Bola Tinubu has called on world leaders to urgently approve the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, a global treaty designed to protect the oceans and help developing countries grow their blue economies.
Speaking through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, at a UN Ocean Conference in France, Tinubu said countries must work together to stop the damage to oceans and support sustainable use of marine resources.
“Nigeria has already signed the agreement and started the ratification process,” he said, adding that protecting at least 30% of global oceans by 2030 is key to saving marine life and achieving development goals.
He also asked for more funding and technical support from richer nations to help countries like Nigeria tackle ocean-related issues such as illegal fishing, pollution, and poor data collection.
“We must act boldly and together. The time is now,” Tinubu said.
He mentioned that Nigeria is already working on several policies to clean up marine pollution, improve ocean monitoring, and promote ocean-based industries for jobs and growth.
The UN Secretary-General and other world leaders at the event echoed the urgency to take action.
