The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), scheduled for June 9–13, 2025, in Nice, France.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Minister’s media aide, Bolaji Akinlola, Oyetola will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the high-level global gathering, which will bring together world leaders, policymakers, scientists and stakeholders to accelerate collective efforts toward ocean conservation and the sustainable use of marine resources.
Ahead of the main conference, the Minister will also participate in activities marking the 2025 World Oceans Day on June 8—highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to addressing the urgent environmental and economic challenges confronting global ocean ecosystems.
This year’s UNOC3 is being convened under the theme, “Accelerating Action and Mobilizing All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean”—a theme that underscores the growing global consensus for bold, inclusive, and coordinated action to combat ocean degradation, safeguard marine biodiversity, and foster a sustainable blue economy, particularly for coastal and island nations. “The ocean is an indispensable part of our national life and economy, especially given our vast coastal resources and the strategic role of the maritime sector in trade, transportation, food security, and climate resilience.
We are committed to aligning Nigeria’s development agenda with global best practices for sustainable ocean governance,” the statement read.
Oyetola will also highlight Nigeria’s recent reforms in marine protection, port modernization, and the development of artisanal fisheries.
Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, UNOC3 supports the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) — “Life Below Water.” The conference will provide a platform for countries to present voluntary commitments and innovative solutions for long-term ocean sustainability.