Nigeria to pilot regional fishing vessel register in Gulf of Guinea

Nigeria has agreed to serve as the pilot country for the formal implementation of the Regional Record of Authorised Fishing Vessels in West Africa to strengthen marine governance across the Gulf of Guinea.

Marine and blue economy minister Adegboyega Oyetola said this in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Oyetola said he made the commitment as the Chairman of the Conference of Ministers of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, during a high-level meeting with the organisation’s secretary-general and secretariat staff in Abuja.

He acknowledged that credible leadership should be matched by practical action to combat illegal fishing and strengthen marine governance across the Gulf of Guinea.

He said Nigeria’s decision to host the pilot phase of the Regional Record of Authorised Fishing Vessels demonstrates its resolve to translate regional leadership into measurable outcomes for sustainable fisheries management.

The minister noted that the proposed Regional Record of Authorised Fishing Vessels would create a verified database of industrial fishing vessels authorised to operate within the maritime zones of FCWC member states, covering both foreign and national fleets.

According to him, the system is design to improve transparency, accountability and cross-border cooperation in a region heavily affected by illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

The minister also highlighted complementary regional efforts, including joint patrols and enforcement initiatives under the West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme, implemented by the FCWC in partnership with the European Fisheries Control Agency, to deter illegal fishing.

“Nigeria’s draft National Plan of Action on illegal fishing was being reviewed and updated following the transfer of fisheries oversight to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, underscoring the country’s determination to address illicit fishing activities.

“I propose a deeper institutional engagement with the FCWC, including a high-level Nigerian mission to the organisation’s secretariat and regional monitoring centre, as well as collaboration on harmonising food safety and fisheries regulatory standards across member states to boost trade and consumer protection,” Mr Oyetola said.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, adding that his tenure as Chairman of the FCWC Conference of Ministers would focus on practical outcomes, stronger institutions and sustainable use of ocean resources. NAN