Fisheries experts are pushing stakeholders across West Africa to build stronger partnerships in the sector. They want practical solutions that protect marine resources and create resilient communities dependent on fishing.
Toyosi Igejongbo, a fisheries management specialist, addressed this call during a community engagement in Ondo State. She spoke with four communities in Ilaje Local Government Area: Aheri, Ugbon, Mahin, and Etikan.
The meeting focused on cross-border fisheries governance and capacity building. Marginalised coastal communities needed to be at the centre of discussions on equity and inclusive growth.
Igejongbo leads the Fisheries Without Borders (FWB) initiative at the Federal University of Technology Akure. She urged fishing communities to work with government and follow existing regulations.
Better regional coordination is essential, she noted. Improved cold storage and fish processing infrastructure would transform the sector significantly.
According to her, women must have stronger representation in decision-making roles. Traditional ecological knowledge should also be integrated into management frameworks.
The FWB project spans Nigeria, Ghana, and Benin. It aims to strengthen climate resilience and advance sustainable fisheries governance across the region.
Dialogue sessions have brought together fishers, fishmongers, researchers, and government officials. Civil society organisations, women, and youth groups have participated actively.
A key objective is identifying major challenges facing fishing communities. The project also inventories and promotes local knowledge and practices related to fishing operations.
Understanding conflict sources within the sector remains critical. Officials want to address root causes of disputes between communities.
Over 300 stakeholders will be engaged through the initiative. More than 400 leaders across the three countries will receive empowerment support.
The Gulf of Guinea faces mounting pressures from multiple fronts. Unpredictable weather, declining fish stocks, and environmental degradation threaten millions of livelihoods.
Cross-border conflicts in the region could worsen food security. The project represents a significant step toward regional cooperation and sustainable development.
