Oyetola To Lead Development Of Regional Blue Economy Policy For Gulf Of Guinea

By Stella Okocha

The Gulf of Guinea Commission, GGC, has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, to spearhead the development of a comprehensive regional Policy on Marine and Blue Economy for member states.

The appointment is aimed at strengthening maritime security, sustainable ocean governance and economic cooperation in the region.

The appointment follows Nigeria’s development and approval of its first-ever National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which the Commission said inspired its move to establish a regional framework.

The Deputy Executive Secretary of the GGC, Ambassador Obinna Agbugba, disclosed this during a meeting with Oyetola in Abuja on Tuesday. He spoke on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Mr. José Mba Abeso.

Agbugba commended Oyetola for pioneering Nigeria’s landmark policy and for achievements recorded since assuming office, saying the initiative provided foundation for the Commission’s regional ambition. He also thanked the Minister for accepting to lead the process.

Responding, Oyetola thanked the Commission for the confidence reposed in him and described the assignment as an opportunity to deepen regional cooperation and promote sustainable use of shared marine resources.

He disclosed that the GGC, in a letter dated May 7, 2026, formally requested him to lead the development of the regional policy.

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

Following the request, the Minister said he set up a multi-stakeholder committee comprising all technical departments of the Ministry and the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics to drive the process.

According to him, the committee has produced two foundational documents – a draft Strategic Plan for the Development and Operationalisation of a GGC Policy on Marine and Blue Economy (2026–2030), and a draft Policy Framework and Strategy Template.

The documents, he said, outline strategic priorities, objectives, proposed actions, key performance indicators, timelines, lead agencies and funding considerations, with due consideration for the 2025 Yaoundé Declaration and the work of the United Nations Task Force supporting the GGC’s 2026 Work Plan.

Oyetola presented both documents to Agbugba for consideration by the Commission.

He also proposed establishment of a Steering Committee to guide policy development and coordinate stakeholder engagement, with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy serving as secretariat.

The Minister called for inclusive consultations involving member states and relevant institutions to ensure regional ownership, and for clear timelines for reviewing the drafts.

He said a well-developed regional policy would strengthen collaboration, address common maritime challenges, promote investment and support fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated, IUU, fishing.

Established on July 3, 2001, with headquarters in Luanda, Angola, the GGC is an intergovernmental organisation committed to promoting peace, security, economic integration, sustainable resource development and protection of marine environment. Its nine members are Angola, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, DRC, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe.

The proposed policy is expected to provide common strategic direction for coordinated action to protect marine resources, strengthen security and unlock blue economy potential of the Gulf of Guinea.