- Ongoing NIMASA Act review should capture fishing
Nigerian maritime experts have called for strategic policy changes in the structure and governance of fisheries and aquaculture, while stressing the need for adequate funding for institutions in the country.
These calls were made at the 1st Annual Conference of the Alumni Association of Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology (FCFMT) on Saturday as experts observed that the ongoing review of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Act should aptly capture the fisheries sector.
At the event themed: “Unlocking the Potentials of Blue Economy”, an alumnus of FCFMT and Chief Executive Officer of Ocean Deep Maritime Services Limited, Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, observed that the placement of the fisheries institution under the Ministry of Agriculture limits the development of the sector with all other aspects of the business under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Macfoy, in her paper titled: “Aligning Fisheries and Marine Technology with Nigeria’s Blue Economy Agenda: Sustainability Policy Framework and The Importance of the Alumni of the FCFMT” stressed the need for grants, flexible loans, tax holidays, among other incentives to position fishing for an economic boom.
According to her, youth employment and gross domestic product (GDP) are definite gains that the nation would benefit by giving requisite attention to the sector.
“The school of fisheries should be under the Blue Economy and not Agriculture. We need to correct this and position the institution and the industry rightly.”
“Fishes, fishing practice, seabed management, regulation, industrial fishing and processing, value addition, among other aspects will provide job opportunities for Nigeria’s teeming youth and spart economic growth in the nation,” she said.
Also speaking, a former Director General of NIMASA, Barr. Temisan Omatseye, expressed optimism that the institution and other aspects fishing will be moved to the Blue Economy Ministry soonest.
Omatseye, however, noted that although barges and tugboats are being built in Nigeria, more attention should be paid to fishing vessels as part of efforts to grow fishing business.
His words: “There is also the issue of security that has to be addressed as trawler owners give some ship captains monies for bunker and the captains are usually attacked by sea robbers to steal these funds as well as the fishes”
On her part, the Deputy Provost, FCFMT, Adewole Aderonke, posited that the Institution needs to have better collaboration with the industry players and operators such that its activities will be tailored towards solving industry needs.
“The college is driven by research and we are doing our research based on the needs of the industry. However, I believe that we would serve Nigeria better if moved to Marine and Blue Economy especially if it will enable us network better with key stakeholders and address the issue of funding,” the Deputy Provost said.
In his welcome address, the President of the Alumni Association of FCFMT, Capt. Ogunsakin Rotimi William, recognized the critical role that the blue economy plays in Nigeria’s economic growth, food security, and environmental sustainability.
“As alumni, we have a unique responsibility to leverage our expertise, experience, and networks to sensitize first the students and the general public for the purpose of integration and collaboration with stakeholders in the industry and relevant regulatory body in order to professionally unlock the potential of the blue economy.”
“We must work together to promote sustainable fisheries and marine technology development, and to ensure that the benefits of the blue economy,” the Alumni President said.
The conference was graced by several maritime bigwigs including; the President of Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA), Mr. Sola Adewunmi; former President, National Association of Master Mariners (NAMM), Capt. Adewale Ishola; Chairperson, Zoe Maritime Resources, Barr. Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore; Managing Partner, Hudson Gee Nigeria Limited, Barr. (Mrs.) Gloria Kanabe; among others.
