…Understudies Moroccan fishing industry
The Federal Government is in talks with the Moroccan Government to gain valuable insights into advanced fisheries management practices and cutting-edge port technology.
This collaboration aims to enhance Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and bolster its fishing industry, promoting sustainable practices and economic growth in the sector.
Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of Marine and Blue Economy, who embarked on a working and study visit to the Kingdom of Morocco, said the strategic visit was aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector and improving port efficiency. The minister emphasised the government’s dedication to exploring global best practices and fostering partnerships that can drive growth, innovation, and sustainable development for Nigeria.
He noted that the insights gained from the Morocco visit would be instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s national policy on marine and blue economy, which is to be launched in December 2024. “The new policy aims to address all pertinent issues in the sector sustainably,” he said
“The government is dedicated to exploring global best practices and fostering partnerships that can drive growth, innovation, and sustainable development for Nigeria,” Oyetola noted.
Morocco is recognised as one of Africa’s leading fishing countries, with its fishing industry playing a significant role in the country’s economy. In 2022, Morocco exported $1.8 billion worth of fish and fishery products, with the European Union, the United States, and China being the primary markets.
The industry provides food and jobs for millions of people and contributes substantially to Morocco’s export earnings. In 2001, Morocco recorded an estimated total catch of 1,084,638 metric tonnes, making it the largest fish market in Africa.
Read also: Supporting the maritime industrial base
In contrast, Nigeria remains a net importer of fishery products. In 2013, Nigeria’s total fish imports amounted to about $1.2 billion, while exports were valued at $284.39 million.
By 2022, over 1.477 million people were reportedly engaged in the Nigerian fishery sector, which contributed 1.09 per cent to the national GDP in 2020 and 0.97 per cent in the third quarter of 2021.
Despite being the world’s fourth-largest importer of fish products in terms of quantity in 2020, Nigeria’s fishery sector remains underutilised and underdeveloped, with artisanal fishers producing over 74 per cent of the nation’s total domestic production.
The collaboration with Morocco is expected to address these challenges by introducing advanced management practices and modern technologies to Nigeria’s fisheries sector. By doing so, the government aims to transform the sector into a more sustainable and economically viable industry.
According to a statement signed by Olujimi Oyetomi, director of press and public relations, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the minister was accompanied by a delegation from the ministry who engaged with key stakeholders, gaining invaluable insights into Morocco’s renowned fishery industry and advanced port operations.
During their visit, the delegates met with Mohammed Sadiki, Moroccan minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests as well as representatives from the Moroccan Office of National Fisheries.
These meetings provided detailed exposure to Morocco’s innovative approaches to sustainable fishing practices, fisheries management, and aquaculture development.
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