National Fisheries Policy To Create Jobs, Boost Economy – Oyetola

Minister of marine and blue economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy would promote sustainable fisheries practices, enhance productivity and profitability within the sector.

In his keynote address at the opening of a two-day Policy Validation Workshop in Abuja recently, the minister explained that the policy would create jobs, improve the livelihoods of aquaculture farmers and socioeconomic activities in coastal communities and around Nigeria.

The minister said the Policy embodies a bold and ambitious vision for the future of Nigeria’s marine resources. “By promoting sustainable fisheries management, boosting aquaculture productivity, and empowering our fisherfolk and aquaculture farmers, we can secure a brighter and more prosperous future for our fisheries and aquaculture industries,” Oyetola stated in his keynote address at the workshop.

The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy will also address Nigeria’s growing aquaculture sector, advocating for increased strategic investment in technology, infrastructure, and capacity building.

Speaking further, Oyetola noted that the policy document “emphasises enhancing the productivity and profitability of the aquaculture industry through strategic investments in technology, infrastructure, and capacity building.

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“Our goal is to position Nigeria as a key player in aquaculture production by advocating for the adoption of modern practices, improving access to financing and markets for aquaculture farmers, and fostering innovation in aquaculture research and development,” he stated.

Oyetola added that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing science-based fisheries management measures that ensure the long-term health and productivity of the fish stocks in Nigerian waters, as well as ensuring best practices in aquaculture operations.

Aside from promoting sustainable fishing practices, Oyetola emphasised that the policy will ensure best practices in aquaculture operations, including measures such as enforcing catch limits, promoting seasonal fishing, and protecting vital habitats.

He also reiterated the ministry’s commitment in tackling illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, implementing science-based fisheries management measures that ensure the long-term health and productivity of the fish stocks in Nigerian waters, as well as ensuring best practices in aquaculture operations.

“This commitment includes enforcing catch limits, encouraging, promoting and enforcing seasonal fishing, protecting critical habitats and taking decisive action against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities,” he said.

The minister expressed optimism that the policy will also position Nigeria as a key player in aquaculture production by advocating for the adoption of modern practices, improving access to financing and markets for aquaculture farmers, and fostering innovation in aquaculture research and development.