FG Signs Treaty For Marine Conservation, Sustainable Use
Princess-Ekwi Ajide, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed the Treaty on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdictions, BBNJ, as part of its efforts towards marine conservation and sustainable use.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Adamu Lamuwa, signed the agreement on behalf of the Nigerian government at a ceremony held on Friday at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
A statement signed by the Spokesperson of the Ministry, Ambassador, Francisca Omoyuli, said the BBNJ Agreement was adopted on June 19, 2023, during the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction under the United Nations.
The agreement is aimed at addressing four crucial issues, Marine genetic resources, including the fair and equitable sharing of benefits; Measures such as area-based management tools, including Marine protected areas; Environmental impact assessments; and Capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology.
Nigeria is the 90th country to sign the Treaty after playing an active role in the negotiations and the eventual adoption of the Treaty. It would its efforts towards ratifying it as soon as possible.
According to the statement, the BBNJ Agreement is open for signature by all States and regional economic integration organizations from 20th September, 2023 to 20 September 2025, and will enter into force 120 days after the date of deposition of the sixtieth instrument of ratification, approval, acceptance or accession.
As of today, four countries have ratified the treaty including Belize, Palau, Seychelles and Chile with Nigeria as the 90th on the list of the countries that have signed.
