Nigeria is set to lead a new regional effort to combat illegal fishing in the Gulf of Guinea, following its selection as pilot country for the implementation of a Regional Record of Authorised Fishing Vessels by West African states.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, made the announcement, according to a statement made available on Thursday by his Special Adviser, Dr.Bolaji Akinola.
The initiative, coordinated under the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), is designed to establish a centralised and verified database of industrial fishing vessels authorised to operate within the maritime zones of member countries.
Oyetola, said the pilot project would strengthen transparency, accountability and cooperation in fisheries governance across the sub region, which has long been affected by illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Minister Oyetola noted that the register would cover both national and foreign fleets operating in FCWC waters, providing reliable information to support enforcement, surveillance and policy coordination among member states.
He described the project as a practical step towards safeguarding marine resources and protecting the livelihoods of coastal communities.
According to the minister, Nigeria’s role as pilot country would allow the region to test the operational framework of the register, identify gaps and refine procedures before full-scale regional deployment.
He said lessons from the pilot phase would be shared with other member states to ensure smooth and effective implementation.
He also pointed to complementary regional initiatives, including joint patrols and enforcement actions carried out under the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme, implemented by the FCWC in collaboration with the European Fisheries Control Agency, as part of a broader strategy to deter illegal fishing.
Oyetola further disclosed that Nigeria was reviewing and updating its National Plan of Action on IUU fishing following the transfer of fisheries oversight to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, stressing that national reforms must align with regional commitments.
Earlier, the FCWC Secretary-General, Antoine Gaston Djihinto, commended Nigeria for taking the lead on the initiative, describing it as a major boost to regional cooperation in fisheries management.
He also praised the country for hosting a successful FCWC ministerial conference in Lagos in November 2025.
The FCWC, established in 2007 and headquartered in Tema, Ghana, brings together Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Togo to promote sustainable fisheries management, harmonise regulations and combat IUU fishing in the West Central Gulf of Guinea.
