August 7, 2024

Nigeria to enhance fisheries management through Moroccan partnership

The Nigerian federal government is in discussions with the Morocco to acquire insights into advanced fisheries management practices and cutting-edge port technology, Business Day reported.

This collaboration aims to improve Nigeria's maritime infrastructure and strengthen its fishing industry, promoting sustainable practices and economic growth.

Adegboyega Oyetola, the Nigerian Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, embarked on a working and study visit to Morocco. He stated that the visit was strategically aimed at enhancing Nigeria's fisheries and aquaculture sector and improving port efficiency. Oyetola emphasised the government's commitment to exploring global best practices and fostering partnerships that can drive growth, innovation, and sustainable development in Nigeria.

Oyetola highlighted that the insights gained from the visit to Morocco would be instrumental in shaping Nigeria's national policy on the marine and blue economy, which is scheduled for launch in December 2024. "The new policy aims to address all pertinent issues in the sector sustainably," he said.

Morocco is recognised as one of Africa's leading fishing nations, with its fishing industry playing a significant role in its economy. In 2022, Morocco exported US$1.8 billion worth of fish and fishery products, with the European Union, the US, and China as the primary markets. The industry provides food and jobs for millions of people and significantly contributes to Morocco's export earnings. In 2001, Morocco recorded an estimated total catch of 1,084,638 metric tonnes, making it Africa's largest fish market.

In contrast, Nigeria is a net importer of fishery products. In 2013, Nigeria's total fish imports amounted to about US$1.2 billion, while exports were valued at US$284.39 million. By 2022, over 1.477 million people were reportedly engaged in the Nigerian fishery sector, which contributed 1.09% to the national GDP in 2020 and 0.97% in the third quarter of 2021. Despite being the world's fourth-largest importer of fish products by quantity in 2020, Nigeria's fishery sector remains underutilised and underdeveloped, with artisanal fishers producing over 74% 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. The government aims to transform the sector into a more sustainable and economically viable industry.

-      Business Day