Abuja: Nigeria’s vast coastline and inland waters hold immense potential for economic growth, job creation, and food security. However, this promise is being undermined by the persistent menace of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Experts warn that illegal fishing not only drains billions of naira from the nation’s economy but also threatens livelihoods in coastal communities and depletes fish stocks essential for Nigeria’s food supply. As the government and stakeholders intensify efforts to diversify the economy through the blue economy, illegal fishing continues to erode marine resources, coastal livelihoods, and food security.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, West Africa loses over $2.3 billion annually to illegal fishing, with Nigeria accounting for a significant portion due to weak monitoring systems and porous maritime borders. Across the continent, Africa loses an estimated $10 billion annually to IUU fishing. West African waters are among the hardest hit, while in East Africa, including Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique, unreported fishing by distant-water fleets is rising. In contrast, North African countries like Morocco and Egypt benefit from stronger monitoring frameworks, and Southern Africa, led by Namibia and South Africa, has improved enforcement through advanced vessel tracking and joint patrols.
The drivers of illegal fishing in Nigeria mirror those across Africa-weak governance, limited maritime surveillance, poor enforcement of fisheries laws, and lack of regional data sharing. High poverty levels also push artisanal fishers into informal markets, leaving local communities particularly vulnerable. To address this challenge, African nations have adopted measures such as the Lom© Charter for regional cooperation and the Port State Measures Agreement, which denies port access to illegal vessels. They have also implemented satellite monitoring, electronic catch documentation, and community-based co-management initiatives that empower coastal populations.
Mr Segun Aluko, a marine resource analyst, described IUU fishing as a ‘silent crisis’ with far-reaching economic, social, and environmental implications. He likened the situation to a cancer gradually eating into the nation’s marine ecosystem, depleting fish populations vital for nutrition and local commerce. Aluko stated that illegal fishing threatens marine biodiversity and food security by reducing the availability of affordable fish, a major protein source for millions of Nigerian families. He alleged that foreign and local vessels often enter Nigeria’s waters without authorisation, using destructive nets that destroy spawning and breeding grounds.
Similarly, in Akwa Ibom, southern Nigeria, Mrs Victoria Obot, a fisherwoman, lamented the growing scarcity of fish and declining fortunes of artisanal fishermen. ‘Fishermen now return from long expeditions with almost empty nets because industrial trawlers and foreign vessels have already cleared large sections overnight,’ she said. Beyond economic losses, environmental experts warn that continued depletion of marine resources could lead to ecosystem collapse, affecting food chains, coastal resilience, and the future of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Mr Gabriel Ogbechie, a policy consultant in blue economy development, said the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy was a major step but must be backed by coordinated action. He stressed that Nigeria must strengthen inter-agency collaboration, upgrade vessel monitoring systems, and implement tougher sanctions to deter illegal operators. Mr Eugene Nweke, Head Researcher at the Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SEREC), emphasised the importance of community participation, regional cooperation, and investment in sustainable aquaculture as long-term solutions.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illegal fishing through stronger partnerships with regional and international stakeholders across the Gulf of Guinea. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, stated during a meeting with the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) in Abuja that IUU fishing is a serious violation of national and international maritime laws. He warned that it undermines conservation efforts and threatens the sustainability of marine ecosystems.
Mr Cyrus Saygbe, Chairman of the FCWC, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Nigeria through enhanced monitoring, surveillance, and capacity building. He added that regional collaboration is key to ensuring compliance with global best practices and strengthening collective responses to maritime threats. Analysts emphasise that Nigeria must expand maritime patrols, invest in advanced vessel monitoring technology, harmonise fisheries laws, and provide artisanal fishers with credit, training, and access to formal markets. They also note that public-private partnerships can enhance transparency and traceability throughout the seafood value chain.