The United Nations High Seas Treaty has entered into force, marking a historic step in global efforts to protect marine biodiversity and regulate activities in international waters, with significant implications for Nigeria and other African coastal states.

Formally known as the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), the treaty became legally binding after the required number of countries ratified it, creating the first comprehensive global framework to govern the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources in areas of the ocean beyond national control.

The treaty entered into force on January 17, 2026 and became legally binding 120 days after at least 60 countries ratified it. As of late 2025, the treaty had been signed by around 145 countries. Signing is a first step showing commitment; ratification is the formal legal step that makes the treaty binding for that country.

Currently, 34 African countries have signed the High Seas Treaty. Only about seven African countries had completed ratification processes, though some still needed to deposit their instruments with the UN to be formally counted.

Nigeria is among the African countries that have signed the treaty. The Federal Government signed the agreement on May 3, 2024, at the United Nations headquarters in New York, signalling its support for stricter international rules to safeguard the high seas, which make up nearly two-thirds of the world’s oceans.

The treaty provides for the establishment of marine protected areas, mandatory environmental impact assessments for potentially harmful activities such as deep-sea mining, and a system for the fair sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and biotechnology. It also emphasises capacity building, technology transfer and scientific cooperation, particularly for developing countries.

For Nigeria, the treaty is seen as strategically important due to the country’s dependence on marine resources for food security, employment and trade. Analysts say stronger regulation of the high seas could help reduce illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which has long affected fish stocks that migrate into Nigeria’s exclusive economic zone, undermining local fisheries and coastal livelihoods.

By improving global oversight and cooperation, the agreement is expected to contribute to the recovery of fish stocks and enhance the sustainability of Nigeria’s fishing industry, while also supporting the country’s broader blue economy objectives.

Across Africa, the treaty is viewed as a long-awaited opportunity to rebalance global ocean governance. African countries have historically had limited influence over high-seas activities dominated by technologically advanced nations and multinational corporations. The BBNJ agreement introduces mechanisms aimed at ensuring equitable access to marine genetic resources and preventing their exploitation by a few powerful actors.

Experts note that this could open new avenues for African research institutions, universities and biotechnology firms, while strengthening the continent’s role in marine science and innovation. The treaty also aligns with Africa’s climate priorities, as healthier ocean ecosystems play a critical role in carbon absorption and climate regulation.

However, observers caution that the treaty’s benefits will depend largely on effective implementation. Although more than 30 African countries have signed the agreement, only a limited number have completed ratification. Signing alone does not make the treaty legally binding at the national level.

In Nigeria’s case, ratification by the National Assembly is required before the country can fully participate in decision-making under the treaty and access associated technical and financial support mechanisms.

With the High Seas Treaty now in force, attention is shifting to how Nigeria and other African countries will move from commitment to action, ensuring that the new global ocean regime delivers tangible environmental, economic and social benefits for their populations.

President, Pan African Vision for the Environment (PAVE), Mr Anthony Akpan, said healthy high seas are essential for Africa’s food security, as they serve as vital migration corridors for fish stocks that eventually enter national waters.

According to him, the treaty provides tools to establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), which help curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, a crisis costing Africa over $11 billion yearly. “Domestication allows states to align national maritime policies with global standards, leveraging uncrewed surveillance technology and regional cooperation to protect their aquatic wealth.”

Akpan explained that the BBNJ framework mandates capacity building and the transfer of marine technology to developing states. “For African nations, this offers a pathway to upgrade scientific infrastructure and maritime enforcement capabilities. Ratification is the gateway to dedicated funding mechanisms, including a special fund and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), designed to support implementation in resource-constrained regions.

“The window for Africa to act is narrowing; ratification and domestication are not merely environmental obligations; they are strategic necessities to protect sovereignty, foster economic resilience, and ensure that the wealth of the high seas benefits all Africans, coastal and landlocked.

The Programme Director, Communication for Development and Social Change (CDSC), Dr Emmanuel Okezie, said Nigeria’s signing the treaty expresses political support but does not legally bind a country, adding that ratification, followed by depositing the formal instrument, makes the treaty legally binding for that state and gives it a full seat and vote in treaty decision-making.

He explained that the treaty is a strategic opportunity for Nigeria to protect fisheries and livelihoods, gain fairer access to ocean resources, strengthen climate resilience and assert a stronger role in global environmental governance.