Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, 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 in Monrovia, Liberia where he spoke at the National Fisheries Investment Conference held from 30 to 31 March 2026.
Maritime Bits checks revealed that Oyetola is presently the Chairman of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea.
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 sub-region.
Describing the gathering as timely, Oyetola said it provided an important platform to unlock opportunities in fisheries and the wider blue economy.
According to him, 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. However, he warned that the sector continues to face serious challenges.
He expressed dismay that despite our rich marine and inland water resources, the sector continues to face significant challenges just as he cited 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.
According to him, our oceans, rivers, and coastal ecosystems must be carefully managed. Without sustainability, long-term benefits cannot be achieved.
He said 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.
He also highlighted broader reforms in Nigeria’s blue economy, including actions to tackle marine pollution, improve port infrastructure and enhance maritime security.
Oyetola stated the country’s recent record of zero piracy incidents has helped improve investor confidence in the Gulf of Guinea just as he 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.
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.
The Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola in a statement made available to Maritime Bits said Oyetola in his role as Chairman of the FCWC Ministerial Committee reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening joint efforts in fisheries governance.
The statement quoted Oyetola highlighted ongoing initiatives, including a regional record of fishing vessels, coordinated patrols and information-sharing systems aimed at improving enforcement and sustainability.
He also 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.
