GULF OF GUINEA COMMISSION APPOINTS OYETOLA TO SPEARHEAD REGIONAL BLUE ECONOMY POLICY
The Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) has appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, to lead the development of a comprehensive regional Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, in a major move to strengthen maritime security, sustainable ocean governance and economic cooperation among member states.
The appointment follows Nigeria’s development and approval of its first-ever National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which the Commission says has inspired its plan to establish a similar regional framework for the Gulf of Guinea.
The Deputy Executive Secretary of the GGC, Ambassador Obinna Agbugba, who spoke on behalf of the Commission’s Executive Secretary, Mr. José Mba Abeso, disclosed this during a meeting with Oyetola in his office on Tuesday.
Agbugba commended the Minister for pioneering Nigeria’s landmark Marine and Blue Economy Policy and for his achievements since assuming office, noting that the country’s initiative had provided an important foundation for the Commission’s regional ambition.
He also thanked Oyetola for accepting to lead the development of the policy, expressing confidence in his leadership and experience in advancing the marine and blue economy sector.
In his response, Oyetola expressed appreciation to the Commission for the confidence reposed in him, describing the assignment as an opportunity to advance regional cooperation and promote the sustainable use of shared marine resources.
The Minister disclosed that the GGC, through a letter dated May 7, 2026, formally requested him to lead the development of a comprehensive Marine and Blue Economy Policy for the region.
“Nigeria remains fully committed to the ideals of regional cooperation, sustainable ocean governance and the shared prosperity of the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.
Following the Commission’s request, Oyetola established 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.
The Minister said the committee has developed 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 with due consideration for the 2025 Yaoundé Declaration and the work of the United Nations Task Force supporting the GGC’s 2026 Work Plan. He added that they were aligned with the Commission’s objectives and specific requests.
The Minister subsequently presented both documents to Agbugba for consideration by the Commission. To ensure effective coordination and broad-based participation, Oyetola proposed the establishment of a Steering Committee to guide policy development and coordinate stakeholder engagement. He also recommended that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy serve as the committee’s secretariat.
He stressed the need for inclusive consultations involving member states, relevant institutions and stakeholders to ensure regional ownership, while calling for clear timelines and responsibilities for reviewing the drafts and establishing the committee.
According to the Minister, a well-developed regional policy would strengthen collaboration among member states, address common maritime challenges, promote investment and support the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Established on July 3, 2001, with its 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, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the 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.