By Obiabin Onukwugha
Nigeria’s is set host the 16th session of the conference of Ministers of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), later this year.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, revealed this when he received the Chairman and the Secretary-General of the FCWC who were on a working visit to his office in Abuja last Monday.
The Minister, who noted the success of the 15th Session of the FCWC Member States in Liberia in 2024, emphaised that Nigeria is honoured to host the 16th Session of the Conference later this year, in line with the decision taken at the Monrovia meeting.
“We are fully committed to ensuring that the event is planned and delivered with diligence, excellence, and in a manner befitting both the stature of the FCWC and the expectations of our Member States”, he said.
Oyetola expressed optimism that the forthcoming session offers an opportunity to consolidate regional efforts towards strengthening fisheries governance, enhancing collaboration among member states, and intensifying the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Gulf of Guinea.
Oyetola also emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s chairmanship of the Committee, noting that it must define a clear vision, articulate strategic priorities, and engage other Member States to secure their support.
“Nigeria treasures the spirit of partnership and solidarity which the FCWC embodies, and remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with all Member States to strengthen regional fisheries governance, promote the sustainable utilisation of marine resources, and enhance the socio-economic well-being of our citizens,” he stated.
Chairman of FCWC, J. Cyrus Saygbe, Sr, commended Oyetola for his leadership in the Marine and Blue Economy sector and his active participation at the 15th Session of the Conference of Ministers in 2024 in Liberia, noting that it has strengthened Nigeria’s role in regional fisheries governance.
Saygbe assured that the FCWC would partner with Nigeria to combat IUU fishing in the sub-region, while also bolstering monitoring, surveillance, and training to ensure adherence to global best practices.
The Secretary-General of the FCWC, Dr Gaston Djihinto, also emphasised that Nigeria’s chairmanship would strengthen the Committee’s work, particularly in fostering regional cooperation to protect marine resources and secure sustainable fisheries.
A statement by the minister’s Media Aide, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, revealed that Oyetola also signed the Monrovia Declaration on Ensuring the Implementation of Conservation and Management Measures (CMM), Increased Governance and Transparency in the FCWC Region, and the Protocol on Labour Standards for Crew and the Elimination of Forced Labour on Fishing Vessels in the FCWC Region.
The Monrovia Declaration seeks to strengthen the implementation of agreed conservation and management measures, enhance governance structures, and promote transparency across the fisheries sector within the Gulf of Guinea.
It aims to ensure that regional commitments translate into concrete actions for sustainable resource management.
The Protocol on Labour Standards is designed to safeguard the welfare of crew members working on fishing vessels, outlaw exploitative practices, and eliminate forced labour at sea.
It underscores a collective determination to uphold international labour standards, protect human rights, and improve working conditions in the fisheries sector.
