The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation for sustainable ocean governance.
Speaking at the 16th Conference of Ministers of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), Oyetola welcomed delegates on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Government of Nigeria, describing the conference as an invaluable platform to review progress, confront emerging challenges, and chart a renewed course for the region’s marine and fisheries development.
He noted that the FCWC comprising Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Togo plays a vital role in promoting collaboration to safeguard shared marine resources that sustain livelihoods, food security, and trade for millions across the sub-region.
Oyetola highlighted that the theme of the 2025 conference, “Securing Our Ocean Future: People, Resources, and Commitments,” underscores the importance of not only conserving marine resources but also empowering coastal communities and strengthening collective regional commitments.
According to Oyetola, Nigeria is advancing its blue economy agenda under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision through measures aimed at enhancing maritime security, modernizing port operations, improving fisheries governance, and expanding non-oil exports.
He emphasized that a secure and well-governed maritime space is central to food security, job creation, and long-term economic resilience, stressing that regional collaboration through joint patrols, intelligence sharing, and harmonized regulations is key to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and other maritime threats.
Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s “unwavering commitment” to the FCWC and pledged continued support for frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and sustainability in fisheries and maritime management.
He urged participants to translate the conference outcomes into actionable strategies that would strengthen ocean security, create economic opportunities, and secure prosperity for future generations.
Oyetola also commended the FCWC Secretariat and development partners for their dedication to advancing regional cooperation and sustainable ocean governance, while encouraging delegates to enjoy Lagos’s cultural vibrancy and hospitality.