By Faridat Salifu
Ghana has sought Nigeria’s technical expertise to advance its marine and Blue Economy policy, as both countries explore stronger cooperation on ocean governance, fisheries management and protection of marine resources in the⁶ Gulf of Guinea.
The request was made by Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Ms. Emelia Arthur, during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, in Accra on Wednesday.
Arthur disclosed that Ghana has developed its own marine and Blue Economy policy and requested Nigeria’s support in sharing knowledge and experience, citing Nigeria’s earlier work in developing a policy framework for the sector.
The engagement provides an opportunity for both countries to exchange policy experience as they seek to develop their marine resources while addressing challenges affecting fisheries and coastal livelihoods.
Oyetola’s visit also focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated, IUU, fishing, which he described as a shared concern with implications for food security, government revenue and livelihoods of fishing communities.
He highlighted the Regional Record of Authorised Fishing Vessels, being piloted by Nigeria under the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, FCWC, as a mechanism for improving verification of fishing vessel authorisations and information exchange.
He proposed that technical teams from both countries work together to identify discrepancies in vessel records and establish procedures for resolving them, to improve transparency, compliance and fisheries monitoring across the subregion.
“Our shared interest is to protect fisheries resources, expand sustainable production and strengthen the livelihoods of our people. Nigeria remains committed to working with Ghana towards these objectives,” Oyetola said.
The Minister also visited the FCWC Secretariat and the Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Centre in Tema, where he met with the Secretary-General, Dr. Antoine Djihinto, and other officials.
Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with the organisation’s six member states – Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo – to strengthen regional fisheries governance and coordinate efforts against illegal fishing.
Arthur reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to combating IUU fishing and commended Nigeria’s efforts to tackle piracy and its progress in developing the marine and Blue Economy sector.
The discussions bring policy cooperation and fisheries enforcement into the same regional agenda, with policy exchange expected to support sector development, while coordination on vessel authorisation offers a practical area for cooperation.
The effectiveness of the initiatives will depend on implementation of agreed procedures, reliable information-sharing and sustained cooperation among member countries.
