Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has vowed stronger action against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, describing it as a major threat to marine sustainability and the livelihoods of law-abiding fishers.Oyetola gave the assurance on Monday, September 1, 2025, when he hosted the Chairman and Secretary-General of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC) in Abuja.The Minister warned that IUU fishing undermines conservation efforts, weakens international cooperation, and distorts fair competition in the sector. “It significantly threatens marine ecosystems and biodiversity, jeopardises sustainable fisheries, and creates unfair competition for law-abiding fishers,” he said.At the meeting, Oyetola signed two key instruments aimed at safeguarding the Gulf of Guinea’s fisheries sector. The first, the Monrovia Declaration, seeks to strengthen conservation and management measures, improve governance, and boost transparency across the region. The second, a Protocol on Labour Standards, is designed to protect crew members on fishing vessels, outlaw forced labour, and promote international labour standards.The Minister also announced that Nigeria will host the 16th Session of the Conference of Ministers of FCWC Member States later this year, following the 2024 session in Monrovia, Liberia. He said the upcoming event would consolidate regional efforts against IUU fishing and enhance cooperation among member states.“Nigeria treasures the spirit of partnership and solidarity which the FCWC embodies, and remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthen regional fisheries governance and promote the sustainable use of marine resources,” Oyetola stated.The FCWC delegation commended Nigeria’s leadership in the sector. Chairman J. Cyrus Saygbe, Sr. praised Oyetola’s role in the 2024 Monrovia conference, noting that his participation had bolstered Nigeria’s position in regional fisheries management. He pledged the Committee’s support in the fight against IUU fishing through stronger monitoring, surveillance, and training.Secretary-General of the FCWC, Dr. Gaston Djihinto, also lauded Nigeria’s chairmanship, describing it as critical to advancing regional cooperation for marine protection and sustainable fisheries.Established in 2007, the FCWC brings together six West African nations—Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Togo—to harmonise fisheries policies, combat illegal fishing, and promote food security through sustainable resource management.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
2025-08-31
