Nigeria Leads Regional Fight Against Illegal Fishing

The Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has announced a regional crackdown on illegal fishing in West Africa.

This initiative was revealed during a high-level meeting organized by the FCWC in Abuja. Nigeria will host a pilot phase to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable fisheries management.

The proposed initiative includes creating a verifiable database of authorized fishing vessels operating within the maritime zones of FCWC member states, which will enhance transparency and cross-border cooperation. Oyetola emphasized the importance of collective regional action to protect fisheries resources and safeguard livelihoods in the Gulf of Guinea.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria's draft national plan to combat illegal fishing, currently under review. The FCWC, established in 2007 and headquartered in Tema, Ghana, comprises six member states, including Nigeria, and aims to promote sustainable management of shared marine resources.