Nigeria and Ghana are seeking stronger cooperation to combat illegal fishing and address declining fish stocks in the Gulf of Guinea, with both countries pledging closer coordination in marine resource management.
The initiative emerged from bilateral talks in Accra between Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and Ghanaian fisheries officials during a working visit by the Nigerian delegation.
Discussions focused on coordinated enforcement, information sharing, joint research and measures to protect marine ecosystems while facilitating legitimate fish trade between the neighbouring countries.
Oyetola, who chairs the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), commended Ghana’s progress in establishing Marine Protected Areas and enacting the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act, 2025 (Act 1146).
He said stronger collaboration would help improve fisheries management and promote the sustainable use of shared marine resources.
The Executive Director of Ghana’s Fisheries Commission, Benjamin Campion, highlighted the longstanding relationship between both countries and stressed the importance of joint efforts to manage their marine resources effectively.
Ghana’s Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, called for climate-resilient fisheries management to address emerging environmental challenges and protect the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Arthur also identified marine conservation and knowledge exchange as key areas where both countries could deepen cooperation.
The two countries agreed to explore and formalise partnerships aimed at strengthening fisheries governance, curbing illegal fishing and supporting sustainable marine resource development.
The proposed collaboration is expected to contribute to a more productive and sustainable blue economy across the Gulf of Guinea while safeguarding marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods.
