The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and Chairman of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for stronger regional co-operation and increased investment in the fisheries sector across West and Central Africa.
The Minister’s Special Adviser, Bolaji Akinola, said on Tuesday that Oyetola made the call in Monrovia, Liberia, where he spoke at the National Fisheries Investment Conference held from 30 to 31 March 2026.
The conference was declared open by Liberia’s President, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, and was attended by Ministers responsible for fisheries and aquaculture from across the subregion. Oyetola said it provided an important platform to unlock opportunities in fisheries and the wider blue economy. He explained:
“This Conference comes at a critical time for our region. The sector remains central to food security, employment and economic growth. Millions of people across West and Central Africa depend on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods, while fish remains one of the most affordable sources of protein.
“Despite our rich marine and inland water resources, the sector continues to face significant challenges.
He cited the declining fish stocks, weak infrastructure, and limited access to finance and modern technology.”
Oyetola emphasised that addressing these challenges requires a clear focus on sustainability, investment and regional collaboration. He stressed that without proper management of marine and inland resources, long-term gains would be impossible.
He said that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is repositioning fisheries and aquaculture as key drivers of the blue economy.
He explained that policies aimed at boosting local production, reducing imports and strengthening regulation are already delivering results, including continued access to international markets for shrimp exports.
Also, he highlighted broader reforms in Nigeria’s blue economy, including actions to tackle marine pollution, improve port infrastructure and enhance maritime security. According to him, the country’s recent record of zero piracy incidents has helped improve investor confidence in the Gulf of Guinea.
On investment, the minister called for greater funding across the entire fisheries value chain, including aquaculture, processing, cold-chain logistics and export development. He noted that with the right policies in place, the sector could generate jobs, particularly for young people, and contribute significantly to economic growth.
Oyetola underscored the importance of regional co-operation, pointing out that fish stocks cut across national boundaries.
He added, “No single country can tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing alone. Stronger collaboration through regional bodies such as the FCWC is essential.”
Oyetola reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening joint efforts in fisheries governance. He highlighted ongoing initiatives, including a regional record of fishing vessels, coordinated patrols and information-sharing systems aimed at improving enforcement and sustainability.
The Minister further noted that the FCWC is working to harmonise fisheries policies among member states and promote trade within the region, with the goal of improving value chains and attracting investment.
