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Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and Chairman of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for stronger regional co-operation and increased investment in the fisheries sector across West and Central Africa.
He made the call on Monday in Monrovia, Liberia, 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 attended by ministers responsible for fisheries and aquaculture from across the subregion.
Describing the meeting as timely, Oyetola said it offers a platform to unlock opportunities in fisheries and the broader blue economy. He noted that the sector remains central to food security, employment, and economic growth in the region.
According to him, 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. However, he warned that the sector continues to face serious challenges, including declining fish stocks, weak infrastructure, and limited access to finance and modern technology.
Oyetola stressed that tackling these challenges requires a stronger focus on sustainability, investment, and regional collaboration. Without proper management of marine and inland resources, he said, long-term gains would not be possible.
He explained that the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is repositioning fisheries and aquaculture as key drivers of the blue economy, with policies aimed at boosting local production, reducing imports, and strengthening regulation. He added that Nigeria continues to maintain access to international markets for shrimp exports.
The minister also highlighted wider reforms in the blue economy, including efforts to tackle marine pollution, improve port infrastructure, and strengthen maritime security. He noted that the country’s recent record of zero piracy incidents has helped boost investor confidence in the Gulf of Guinea.
On investment, Oyetola called for increased funding across the entire fisheries value chain, including aquaculture, processing, cold-chain logistics, and export development. He said the sector has strong potential to create jobs, particularly for young people, and contribute significantly to economic growth.
He also stressed the importance of regional co-operation, noting that fish stocks cut across national boundaries. According to him, no single country can tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing alone, making stronger collaboration through regional bodies such as the FCWC 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.
He added that the FCWC is also working to harmonise fisheries policies among member states and promote regional trade to strengthen value chains and attract investment.
