Spread the word
In a major boost for Nigeria’s growing influence in maritime governance, the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, to spearhead the creation of a comprehensive regional Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.
The appointment, announced in Abuja on Tuesday by the minister’s Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, stems from Nigeria’s successful rollout of its landmark national policy. The move highlights the country’s leadership in sustainable ocean governance within West and Central Africa.
During a formal meeting in Abuja, Ambassador Obinna Agbugba, Deputy Executive Secretary of the GGC, conveyed the decision on behalf of the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Mr. José Mba Abeso. Agbugba lauded Oyetola’s stellar achievements and noted that Nigeria’s pioneering framework serves as a vital blueprint for the entire Gulf of Guinea.
Accepting the mandate, which was formally requested via a letter on May 7, 2026, Oyetola expressed gratitude to the intergovernmental body.
“Nigeria remains fully committed to the ideals of regional cooperation, sustainable ocean governance and the shared prosperity of the Gulf of Guinea,” Oyetola declared.
Acting swiftly on the commission’s request, the minister established a multi-stakeholder technical committee to draft foundational blueprints. These include a Strategic Plan (2026–2030) and a Policy Framework and Strategy Template, which align with the 2025 Yaoundé Declaration and UN Task Force guidelines.
Presenting the documents to Agbugba, Oyetola proposed a dedicated Steering Committee—with his ministry acting as the secretariat—to oversee broad-based stakeholder engagement and ensure regional ownership across all nine member states.
Established in July 2001 with headquarters in Luanda, Angola, the GGC comprises Angola, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe. With Oyetola at the helm, the region is poised to unlock the immense economic potential of its shared marine wealth while securing its waters against shared transnational threats.
Spread the word