In a significant move towards marine conservation and sustainable utilization, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially signed the Treaty on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ).
Represented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Adamu Lamuwa, the Nigerian government endorsed the agreement at a ceremony held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
A statement issued by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Ambassador Francisca Omoyuli, highlighted that the BBNJ Agreement, adopted on June 19, 2023, during the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction under the United Nations, addresses critical issues including marine genetic resources, fair and equitable benefit sharing, area-based management tools such as marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and capacity-building in marine technology transfer.
Nigeria’s active involvement in the negotiation process culminated in its status as the 90th signatory to the Treaty. The government intends to expedite the ratification process promptly.
The BBNJ Agreement remains open for signature by all States and regional economic integration organizations from September 20, 2023, to September 20, 2025. It will enter into force 120 days after the sixtieth instrument of ratification, approval, acceptance, or accession is deposited.
Currently, four countries—Belize, Palau, Seychelles, and Chile—have ratified the treaty, with Nigeria marking its place as the 90th signatory, signaling its commitment to global marine conservation efforts.
