Gulf of Guinea fee appoints Oyetola to steer regional Blue Economy coverage

In a serious enhance for Nigeria’s rising affect in maritime governance, the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, to spearhead the creation of a complete regional Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.

The appointment, introduced in Abuja on Tuesday by the minister’s Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, stems from Nigeria’s profitable rollout of its landmark nationwide coverage. The transfer highlights the nation’s management in sustainable ocean governance inside West and Central Africa.

During a proper assembly in Abuja, Ambassador Obinna Agbugba, Deputy Executive Secretary of the GGC, conveyed the choice on behalf of the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Mr. José Mba Abeso. Agbugba lauded Oyetola’s stellar achievements and famous that Nigeria’s pioneering framework serves as an important blueprint for the complete Gulf of Guinea.

Accepting the mandate, which was formally requested through a letter on May 7, 2026, Oyetola expressed gratitude to the intergovernmental physique.

“Nigeria remains fully committed to the ideals of regional cooperation, sustainable ocean governance and the shared prosperity of the Gulf of Guinea,” Oyetola declared.

Acting swiftly on the fee’s request, the minister established a multi-stakeholder technical committee to draft foundational blueprints. These embody a Strategic Plan (2026–2030) and a Policy Framework and Strategy Template, which align with the 2025 Yaoundé Declaration and UN Task Force pointers.

Presenting the paperwork to Agbugba, Oyetola proposed a devoted Steering Committee—together with his ministry appearing because the secretariat—to supervise broad-based stakeholder engagement and guarantee regional possession throughout all 9 member states.

Established in July 2001 with headquarters in Luanda, Angola, the GGC contains Angola, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe. With Oyetola on the helm, the area is poised to unlock the immense financial potential of its shared marine wealth whereas securing its waters in opposition to shared transnational threats.