At Liberia Fisheries Summit, Oyetola calls for regional synergy
...advocates for increased offensive against illegal fishing
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for increased regional synergy and targeted investment to unlock the vast economic potential of Africa’s fisheries sector.
Speaking on Tuesday at the Liberia Fisheries Summit in Monrovia, the Minister emphasized that the sustainable management of marine resources is a collective responsibility that transcends national borders, requiring a unified approach to safeguard the continent’s aquatic wealth and bolster food security.
Addressing a gathering of regional policymakers, industry stakeholders, and international development partners, Oyetola underscored the critical importance of creating an enabling environment that attracts private sector participation.
He argued that while African nations possess extensive coastlines and rich maritime biodiversity, the lack of modern infrastructure and technological integration remains a significant barrier to maximizing economic value.
By fostering strategic partnerships and harmonizing regulatory frameworks across the sub-region, the Minister believes African nations can transition from artisanal practices toward a more industrialized and globally competitive fisheries value chain.
The Minister also raised alarm on the urgent necessity for a coordinated offensive against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which continues to deplete African stocks and deprive coastal communities of their primary livelihoods.
Oyetola further called for the implementation of robust monitoring, control, and surveillance systems through collaborative regional frameworks.
He noted that through consistent information sharing and joint maritime patrols, West African nations can effectively protect their territorial waters from foreign exploitation and ensure the long-term biological sustainability of fish populations.
He also invited regional neighbors to collaborate on research and capacity-building initiatives, stressing that a knowledge-based approach is essential for addressing the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Oyetola maintained that by investing in sustainable aquaculture and sophisticated cold-chain logistics, the region can significantly reduce post-harvest losses and enhance the availability of protein-rich resources for its growing population.