Oyetola in Ghana, Strengthens Nigeria-Ghana Cooperation on Fisheries Governance, IUU Fishing
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, visited Accra, Ghana, to strengthen bilateral cooperation on fisheries governance, sustainable fisheries management and the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
During a meeting with Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Hon. Emelia Arthur, Oyetola stressed the need for stronger coordination between both countries to tackle illegal fishing, which threatens food security, government revenue and the livelihoods of fishing communities.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s pilot implementation of the Regional Record of Authorised Fishing Vessels as a platform for cooperation, particularly in verifying vessel authorisations and exchanging information. He proposed collaboration between technical teams to identify discrepancies in vessel records and establish procedures for resolving them.
Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting shared fisheries resources, expanding sustainable production and improving the livelihoods of coastal communities. In her response, Arthur commended Nigeria’s efforts in combating piracy and its progress in the Marine and Blue Economy sector, pledging Ghana’s cooperation in tackling IUU fishing.
The Ghanaian Minister also disclosed that her country had developed its Marine and Blue Economy policy and sought Nigeria’s support in sharing knowledge and experience, recognising Nigeria’s pioneering efforts in developing a policy framework for the sector.
As President of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), Oyetola also visited the Committee’s Secretariat in Tema, where he met with Secretary-General, Dr. Antoine Djihinto, and other officials. He commended the Secretariat’s achievements over the past year and pledged continued collaboration with member states to strengthen regional fisheries governance.
The Minister emphasised the importance of coordinated monitoring, control and surveillance, effective information-sharing and the implementation of regional initiatives to combat illegal fishing and ensure the long-term sustainability of fisheries resources across the subregion.
The FCWC comprises six member countries: Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo.
Oyetola’s engagements reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships, improving fisheries monitoring and enforcement, and advancing a sustainable Marine and Blue Economy that promotes food security, economic growth and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
