Sustainable fisheries management crucial for food security in West Africa — Oyetola

By Seun Ibiyemi

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has stated that sustainable fisheries management is a vital pathway to economic growth and food security in West Africa.

Speaking at the 15th session of the Conference of Ministers of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) in Monrovia, Liberia, Oyetola emphasised that repositioning Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector for sustainable development would involve “promoting effective management, enhancing livelihoods, and ensuring food security.”

The Minister added that development in the sector would also involve improving Nigeria’s position in marine conservation and implementing economic best practices.

Oyetola further highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to a comprehensive approach to marine resource management, underscoring the sector’s crucial role in supporting millions of livelihoods and driving economic growth through collaborative, ecologically responsible strategies.

“The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demonstrates Nigeria’s strategic approach to sustainable economic diversification by harnessing the country’s rich marine potential and resources,” Oyetola said.

He also pointed out that the transfer of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to the Ministry underscores the government’s commitment to optimising the management of Nigeria’s marine and aquatic resources.

The Minister praised the efforts of the FCWC secretariat and member countries for their progress in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, strengthening governance frameworks, and fostering partnerships.

Oyetola also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing initiatives to enhance the fisheries sector, including the development of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy. He explained that the policy aims to promote sustainable practices, improve productivity, and enhance the livelihoods of aquaculture farmers and individuals in fishing communities.

Additionally, Oyetola noted that a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s Sea Fisheries Act is scheduled to begin in January 2025. He stated that the review would address legislative gaps, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and align the framework with international standards, including provisions under the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA).

The minister also shared plans for the implementation of closed fishing seasons, an initiative designed to rejuvenate marine ecosystems and ensure long-term sustainability.

“In preparation for the closed season initiative, sensitisation campaigns are ongoing to educate coastal communities and fisherfolk on its ecological and economic benefits,” he explained.

Oyetola acknowledged the challenges posed by outdated legislation and fragmented inter-agency coordination, noting that efforts are being made to address these issues. Measures include fast-tracking the harmonisation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), introducing risk-based inspection protocols, and enhancing stakeholder capacity to effectively utilise PSMA tools.

The Minister stressed the importance of regional cooperation in fisheries management, highlighting the economic and social impact of the sector.

“Statistics show that the landed value of West African small-scale fisheries is estimated at $3.5 billion annually, with over six million people directly dependent on the fisheries sector for food or employment in the sub-region,” he said.

Oyetola added that Nigeria plays a key role in advancing regional capacity-building initiatives, such as joint patrols and specialised training programs for fisheries inspectors.

He noted that these efforts are crucial for fostering sustainable fisheries management and addressing shared challenges, such as marine pollution and biodiversity conservation.

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