Nigeria Participates in Monaco Blue Economy and Finance Forum, Reinforces Commitment to Maritime Sustainability, Ocean Governance

ZAINAB JUNAID

As Nigeria joined world Leaders and global dignitaries at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) in Monaco, France, with Minister Adegboyega Oyetola’s presence, it reinforced the Country’s commitment to Maritime Sustainability, Ocean Governance and Climate adaptation.

The minister’s presence depicted Nigeria’s dedication to engage actively in global platforms and collaborate with international partners to foster innovation, investment, and sustainable practices in its coastal and marine sector.

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMM&BE) Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi; Minister, FMM&BE; @adegboyegaoyetola, CON, Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA; Dr. Dayo Mobereola and Director, Maritime Safety FMM&BE Mr Babatunde Bombata at the 2025 Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco, France.

While speaking at the event, Hon. Oyetola, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, underscored Nigeria’s growing influence in protecting and sustainably managing ocean resources, pledging to continue driving inclusive, innovative, and economically viable ocean solutions.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akintola, and made available to journalists on Monday.

According to the statement, the special event held ahead of the United Nations (UN) Oceans Conference in Nice, France, was hosted by Prince Albert II of Monaco from 7-8 June 2025.

The event brought together significant attention including: Prince William, Prince of Wales; French President Emmanuel Macron and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Many other leaders, alongside hundreds of global delegates, at the prestigious Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

“Themed around a regenerative blue economy and sustainable ocean finance, the gathering emphasized the urgent need for coordinated global action to protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable use of ocean resources.

“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 Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON (left) and President Rodrigo Chaves Robles of Costa Rica at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco on Sunday 8th June 2025.

“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.

“As the sector continues to play a critical role in economic diversification and environmental protection, 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.

“The Minister, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, 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, Oyetola engaged with other leaders, 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,” the statement reads.

The Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) is an event that brings together global leaders, experts, stakeholders to discuss and promote sustainable ocean governance, finance and conservation