Minister Advocates for Investment in West Africa’s Fisheries Sector
Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Oceans and Blue Economy, has urged for heightened investment throughout West Africa’s fisheries value chain, emphasizing the sector’s significant potential for driving economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing food security.
Engaging Discussions at the National Fisheries Investment Conference
Mr. Oyetola made his appeal on Monday at the National Fisheries Investment Conference, which took place on March 30-31, 2026, in Monrovia, Liberia. The event was inaugurated by Liberian President Joseph Numa Boakai and brought together ministers responsible for fisheries and aquaculture from across the West and Central African regions.
Opportunity for Development in the Blue Economy
In a statement released by his Special Assistant Bolaji Akinola, the Minister regarded the conference as timely, providing a crucial platform for tapping into opportunities within the fisheries sector and the broader blue economy. He pointed out that this gathering comes at a pivotal moment for the region.
The Central Role of Fishing and Aquaculture
Oyetola underscored that both fishing and aquaculture are crucial to livelihoods, employment, and nutritional needs within the region. He highlighted that millions rely on this sector for their income, noting that fish remains one of the most accessible sources of protein for many.
Addressing Challenges in the Fisheries Sector
Despite the sector’s vital importance, Oyetola warned of significant obstacles, including declining fish stocks, insufficient infrastructure, and limited access to financing and modern technology. He acknowledged the challenges posed by these issues, stating that despite the wealth of marine and inland water resources, the sector faces serious constraints.
Emphasizing Sustainable Resource Management
The Minister stressed the necessity of sustainable management for marine and inland resources to ensure long-term advantages for the region. He cautioned that unsustainable investments could jeopardize future profitability, stating that, “Our ocean, river, and coastal ecosystems must be carefully managed.”
Government Initiatives and Regional Cooperation
Oyetola highlighted the Nigerian government’s initiatives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to position fisheries and aquaculture as vital components of the country’s blue economy. These initiatives include policies aimed at increasing local production, minimizing fish imports, and strengthening regulatory frameworks. He noted the positive impact of ongoing reforms, which help Nigeria maintain access to international markets, particularly for shrimp exports. Furthermore, he pointed out that the recent record of zero piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea has bolstered investor confidence in the region.
Call for Investment and Collaboration
In his closing remarks, Oyetola encouraged stakeholders to direct investments into every segment of the fisheries value chain, encompassing aquaculture production, processing, cold chain logistics, and export development. He reiterated that with informed policies and adequate investments, the fisheries sector could generate significant employment opportunities, particularly for young people, and make a substantial contribution to economic growth.
