Abuja, Nigeria – May 3, 2024 – Nigeria took a significant step towards protecting international waters by signing the Treaty on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ).
The signing ceremony, held on May 3rd at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, saw Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu I. Lamuwa, sign the treaty on behalf of the government.
The BBNJ agreement, adopted in June 2023, is a critical step forward in safeguarding the biodiversity of vast ocean areas beyond individual countries’ jurisdiction.
“Nigeria played an active role in shaping this important agreement,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The BBNJ addresses key issues like the fair sharing of benefits from marine resources, establishing marine protected areas, and ensuring responsible environmental practices.”
The treaty also focuses on capacity building and technology transfer, aiming to equip nations with the tools needed to sustainably manage these international waters.
Nigeria becomes the 90th country to sign the BBNJ, joining nations like Belize, Palau, Seychelles, and Chile who have already ratified the agreement. The treaty will enter into force 120 days after the 60th instrument of ratification is deposited.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed commitment to swift ratification by Nigeria, solidifying the country’s role in protecting the world’s oceans.
