Nigeria, Ghana partner to strengthen fisheries management, blue economy

Nigeria and Ghana have partnered to strengthen fisheries management, protect marine resources and advance a secure, productive and sustainable blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea.

This was disclosed after marine and blue economy minister Adegboyega Oyetola led a delegation to the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Accra for a bilateral meeting to strengthen cooperation on fisheries management, marine conservation, and blue economy development.

“The meeting reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to exploring and formalising partnerships to strengthen fisheries management, protect marine resources and advance a secure, productive and sustainable blue economy in the Gulf of Guinea,” the statement said after the meeting on Tuesday.

The meeting formed part of Mr Oyetola’s working visit to Ghana as chairperson of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC).

The executive director of the Fisheries Commission, Benjamin Campion, who welcomed the delegation, highlighted the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Nigeria and the need for stronger collaboration in managing shared marine resources.

Mr Oyetola congratulated Ghana on its progress in establishing Marine Protected Areas and passing the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146).

The minister highlighted the need for closer cooperation to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, address declining fish stocks and facilitate legitimate fish trade between the two countries.

Ghana’s aquaculture minister Emelia Arthur also stressed the importance of joint research, information sharing, coordinated enforcement, and climate-resilient fisheries management.

Ms Arthur highlighted opportunities for collaboration in coastal livelihood development, marine ecosystem protection and knowledge exchange on blue economy strategies.