Nigeria, Ghana to strengthen bilateral cooperation on fisheries governance

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has met with the Ghanaian Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Emelia Arthur, to strengthen bilateral cooperation on fisheries governance, sustainable fisheries administration and the combat in opposition to Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The minister emphasised the necessity for stronger coordination between Nigeria and Ghana in tackling IUU fishing, describing the menace as a shared concern with severe implications for meals safety, authorities income and the livelihoods of fishing communities.

He famous that efficient cooperation between the 2 nations would strengthen the broader regional response to unlawful fishing and contribute to the sustainable administration of shared fisheries assets.

The minister highlighted Nigeria’s pilot implementation of the Regional Record of Authorised Fishing Vessels as a sensible platform for enhanced cooperation with Ghana, significantly in verifying vessel authorisations and exchanging related data by the FCWC framework.

According to him, technical groups from each nations may work collectively to determine discrepancies in vessel authorisation data and set up agreed procedures for resolving them, thereby enhancing transparency, compliance and fisheries monitoring throughout the subregion.

“Our shared interest is to protect fisheries resources, expand sustainable production and strengthen the livelihoods of our people. Nigeria remains committed to working with Ghana towards these objectives,” Oyetola mentioned.

In her remarks, Hon. Emelia Arthur recommended Nigeria for its efforts in combating piracy and for the numerous strides recorded within the Marine and Blue Economy sector.

She reaffirmed that the combat in opposition to IUU fishing stays a precedence for Ghana and pledged her nation’s full cooperation with Nigeria in addressing the problem.

The Ghanaian Minister additionally disclosed that Ghana had developed its personal Marine and Blue Economy coverage and sought Nigeria’s help in sharing information and expertise, noting Nigeria’s pioneering place in creating such a coverage framework.

The request underscores the significance of knowledge-sharing and coverage collaboration between each nations as they pursue sustainable ocean governance, improved fisheries administration and the event of their respective blue economic system sectors.