Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for stronger cooperation between Nigeria and Ghana to improve fisheries governance, promote sustainable resource management and combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Oyetola made the call on Wednesday during a meeting with Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, in Accra, Ghana.
He said closer coordination between the two countries was essential to addressing illegal fishing, which threatens food security, government revenue and the livelihoods of fishing communities.
According to him, stronger bilateral cooperation would enhance regional efforts to curb illegal fishing and promote the sustainable management of shared fisheries resources.
Oyetola, who is also President of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), identified Nigeria’s pilot implementation of the Regional Record of Authorised Fishing Vessels as a platform for strengthening collaboration with Ghana.
He said the initiative would facilitate the verification of fishing vessel authorisations and information-sharing through the FCWC framework.
The minister proposed collaboration between technical teams from both countries to identify discrepancies in vessel records and establish agreed procedures for resolving them, thereby improving transparency, compliance and monitoring across the sub-region.
“Our shared interest is to protect fisheries resources, expand sustainable production and strengthen the livelihoods of our people. Nigeria remains committed to working with Ghana towards these objectives,” Oyetola said.
In her remarks, Arthur commended Nigeria’s efforts in combating piracy and its achievements in the marine and blue economy sector.
She described the fight against IUU fishing as a priority for Ghana and pledged her country’s full cooperation with Nigeria.
Arthur also disclosed that Ghana had developed its own Marine and Blue Economy policy, seeking Nigeria’s support in sharing knowledge and experience in the sector, given the country’s pioneering role in developing the framework.
As part of his engagements, Oyetola visited the FCWC Secretariat in Tema, where he met with the Secretary-General, Dr Antoine Djihinto, and other staff members.
He commended the secretariat for its achievements over the past year and reaffirmed his commitment to working with other member states to strengthen regional fisheries governance and eliminate illegal fishing in the West Central Gulf of Guinea.
The minister emphasised the need for sustained cooperation, coordinated monitoring, control and surveillance, improved information-sharing and effective implementation of regional initiatives to protect fisheries resources and ensure their long-term sustainability.
The FCWC comprises six member countries: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo.
The committee provides a framework for regional cooperation in fisheries management, maritime security and the promotion of sustainable practices across the sub-region.
Oyetola’s visit underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships, improving fisheries enforcement and advancing a sustainable marine and blue economy that supports food security, economic growth and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
