Uphold laws, regulations, ethical fishery practices, Oyetola charges Fishery, aquaculture stakeholders

By Abiodun OBA

Stakeholders in fishery and aquaculture sector have been advised to uphold the laws and regulations, principles of sustainability, transparency, and ethical practices in line with internationally acceptable best practices.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, gave the charge at a meeting with stakeholders in fisheries and aquaculture sector in Lagos on Thursday, May 15, 2024.

Oyetola submitted that by so doing, both the ministry and the stakeholders can promote responsible fishing practices, combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and safeguard the long-term viability of our marine resources.

He emphasized that the ministry’s vision is to lead the fisheries and aquaculture sector towards a prosperous and sustainable blue future; where the nation’s rich marine resources benefit all Nigerians, adding that fisheries and aquaculture is a key component of the blue economy, it is therefore a major focus of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy action plan.

Oyetola explained that President Bola Tinubu has a lofty plan for the growth of the sector, and this necessitated the decision of President Tinubu to merge the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy earlier this year.

The Minister, who solicited the support of stakeholders, assured that the ministry would continue to create policies and programs that allow for an enabling and conducive business environment for trade facilitation and market access that promotes transparency, efficiency, and compliance with regulatory standards.

“We recognize the notable contributions of fish importers in bridging the local demand gaps and also the valuable boost exporters deliver through the export of our unique species to international markets; these contributions we cannot take for granted.

“The welfare of Nigerian citizens is closely tied to the availability of quality seafood products. It is for this reason that the Ministry considers your group a major partner in its pursuit to enhance our country’s sufficiency within a sustainable framework.

“As a government, we will continue to create policies and programs that allow for an enabling and conducive business environment for trade facilitation and market access that promotes transparency, efficiency, and compliance with regulatory standards.

“Therefore, we solicit for your continuous commitment to quality assurance, food safety, and sustainable practices vital to the success and credibility of our seafood industry.

“As you seek opportunities in global seafood trade, it is expected that you uphold the laws and regulations, principles of sustainability, transparency, and ethical practices in line with internationally acceptable best practices. Together, we can promote responsible fishing practices, combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and safeguard the long-term viability of our marine resources,” Oyetola submitted.