The Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to spearhead the development of a comprehensive regional Policy on Marine and Blue Economy.
The appointment is aimed at strengthening maritime security, sustainable ocean governance and economic cooperation among member states.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Bolaji Akinola, the Commission’s decision followed Nigeria’s development and approval of its first-ever National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which has inspired its plan to establish a similar regional framework.
The Deputy Executive Secretary of the GGC, Ambassador Obinna Agbugba, disclosed the appointment during a meeting with Oyetola in Abuja on Tuesday. Agbugba, who spoke on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Mr. José Mba Abeso, commended the Minister for pioneering Nigeria’s landmark policy and for his achievements since assuming office.
He thanked Oyetola for accepting to lead the process, expressing confidence in his leadership and experience in advancing the marine and blue economy sector.
In his response, Oyetola thanked the Commission for the confidence reposed in him, describing 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 constituted a multi-stakeholder committee comprising all technical departments of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics to drive the process.
He said the committee has produced two foundational documents: a draft Strategic Plan for the Development and Operationalisation of a Gulf of Guinea Commission Policy on Marine and Blue Economy (2026–2030), and a draft Policy Framework and Strategy Template.
The documents outline strategic priorities, objectives, proposed actions, key performance indicators, implementation timelines, lead agencies and funding considerations.
Oyetola said the drafts were prepared in line with the 2025 Yaoundé Declaration and the work of the United Nations Task Force supporting the GGC’s 2026 Work Plan, and aligned with the Commission’s objectives.
He subsequently presented both documents to Agbugba for consideration by the Commission.
To ensure effective coordination, Oyetola proposed the establishment of a Steering Committee to guide policy development and stakeholder engagement, with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy serving as its secretariat.
He emphasised the need for inclusive consultations involving member states, relevant institutions and stakeholders to guarantee regional ownership, and called for clear timelines for reviewing the drafts and constituting the committee.
According to him, a well-developed regional policy would enhance collaboration, address common maritime challenges, promote investment and support the 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 the marine environment.
Its nine member states are Angola, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, and São Tomé and Príncipe.
The proposed policy is expected to provide a common strategic direction for the region, translating commitments to cooperation into coordinated action to protect marine resources, strengthen maritime security and unlock the Gulf of Guinea’s blue economy potential.
