Nigeria to Lead Regional Blue Economy Policy
The Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to lead the development of a comprehensive regional policy on marine and blue economy.
The initiative aims to strengthen maritime security, promote sustainable ocean governance, and deepen economic cooperation among member states.
The Deputy Executive Secretary of the GGC, Ambassador Obinna Agbugba, who represented the Commission’s Executive Secretary, José Mba Abeso, at a meeting in Abuja, commended Oyetola for spearheading Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy Policy.
He noted that Nigeria’s policy had provided an important foundation for the Commission’s broader regional ambition to establish a coordinated framework for the sustainable management and development of marine resources across the Gulf of Guinea.
In his response, Oyetola expressed appreciation to the Commission for the confidence reposed in him, describing the assignment as an opportunity to strengthen regional cooperation and promote the sustainable utilisation of shared marine resources.
He emphasised the importance of collaboration among member states in addressing common maritime challenges and harnessing the economic opportunities available within the region’s marine environment.
To ensure effective coordination and broad-based participation, the Minister proposed the establishment of a Steering Committee to guide the policy development process and coordinate engagement with relevant stakeholders.
The proposed committee is expected to support consultations and encourage contributions from member states and other stakeholders to ensure that the regional policy reflects shared priorities and addresses the challenges facing the Gulf of Guinea.
The proposed regional policy is expected to provide a common strategic direction for member states, translating existing commitments to cooperation into coordinated action to protect marine resources, strengthen maritime security, and unlock the blue economy’s economic potential.
It is also expected to promote sustainable ocean governance and encourage greater economic cooperation, positioning the Gulf of Guinea to maximise the benefits of its marine resources while safeguarding them for future generations.
