The Chairman of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, Adegboyega Oyetola, has stated that despite the region’s rich marine and inland water resources, the fishing sector continues to face significant challenges, including declining fish stocks, weak infrastructure, and limited access to finance and modern technology.
Oyetola called for stronger regional co-operation and increased investment in the fisheries sector across West and Central Africa.
In a statement on Tuesday, Oyetola, who is Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, stated this on Monday in Monrovia, Liberia, where he spoke at the National Fisheries Investment Conference held from 30 to 31 March 2026.
According to the statement, 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.
Describing the gathering as timely, Oyetola said it provided an important platform to unlock opportunities in fisheries and the wider blue economy, adding that the conference comes at a critical time for the region, noting that the sector remains central to food security, employment, and economic growth.
He maintained that 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, warning that the sector continues to face serious challenges.
“Despite our rich marine and inland water resources, the sector continues to face significant challenges, including declining fish stocks, weak infrastructure, and limited access to finance and modern technology,” Oyetola said.
He emphasised that addressing these challenges requires a clear focus on sustainability, investment, and regional collaboration, stressing that without proper management of marine and inland resources, long-term gains would be impossible.
“Our oceans, rivers, and coastal ecosystems must be carefully managed. Without sustainability, long-term benefits cannot be achieved,” he stated.
He said that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu is repositioning fisheries and aquaculture as key drivers of the blue economy.
Oyetola highlighted 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.
He also emphasised broader reforms in Nigeria’s blue economy, including actions to tackle marine pollution, improve port infrastructure, and enhance maritime security, noting that 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.
Oyetola noted that with the right policies in place, the sector could generate jobs, particularly for young people, and contribute significantly to economic growth.
He also underscored the importance of regional co-operation, pointing out that fish stocks cut across national boundaries.
“No single country can tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing alone,” he said, adding that stronger collaboration through regional bodies such as the FCWC is essential.
In his role as Chairman of the FCWC Ministerial Committee, 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.
