Oyetola Calls for Regional Co-operation, Investment Drive at Liberia Fisheries Summit 

Nigeria’s 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.

He made the call on Monday in Monrovia, Liberia, while speaking at the National Fisheries Investment Conference held from 30 to 31 March 2026.

The conference, declared open by Liberia’s President, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, was attended by ministers responsible for fisheries and aquaculture across the subregion.

Describing the gathering as timely, Oyetola said it provided a critical platform to unlock opportunities in fisheries and the broader blue economy.

“This conference comes at a pivotal moment for our region,” he said, noting that the sector remains central to food security, employment, and economic growth.

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 significant challenges.

“Despite our rich marine and inland water resources, the sector continues to face serious constraints,” he said, citing declining fish stocks, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to finance and modern technology.

Oyetola emphasised that addressing these challenges requires a strong commitment to sustainability, investment, and regional collaboration. He stressed that without proper management of marine and inland resources, long-term gains would be unattainable.

“Our oceans, rivers, and coastal ecosystems must be carefully managed. Without sustainability, long-term benefits cannot be achieved,” he stated.

He added 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 yielding results, including sustained access to international markets for shrimp exports.

The minister also highlighted broader reforms in Nigeria’s blue economy, including efforts to tackle marine pollution, improve port infrastructure, and enhance maritime security. According to him, the country’s recent record of zero piracy incidents has strengthened investor confidence in the Gulf of Guinea.

On investment, Oyetola called for increased funding across the fisheries value chain, including aquaculture, processing, cold-chain logistics, and export development. He said with the right policies, the sector could generate significant employment opportunities, particularly for young people and drive economic growth.

He further underscored the importance of regional co-operation, noting that fish stocks transcend 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 capacity 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 concluded that the FCWC is working to harmonise fisheries policies among member states and promote intra-regional trade, with the goal of strengthening value chains and attracting investment.