Nigeria explores Norwegian satellite surveillance to combat illegal fishing

Nigeria is exploring a partnership with Norway to utilize satellite surveillance to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in its waters. During a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, discussed the Blue Justice Ocean Surveillance Programme with Norwegian Ambassador Svein Baera.

The initiative offers participating countries access to satellite-based Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. This technology allows authorities to track vessel movements, identify suspicious trajectories, and detect “dark vessels” that attempt to evade monitoring. The data provided includes both real-time and historical tracking to help investigate maritime crimes and patterns associated with illegal fishing.

While the technology provides a significant tool for monitoring, officials noted that satellite data must be supplemented by physical inspections and effective sanctions to ensure maritime security and protect the country’s marine resources.