Professor of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Lagos State University, Martins Agenuma Anetekhai, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for his foresight in creating a dedicated ministry for marine and blue economy affairs.
In a goodwill message delivered at the opening ceremony of a two-day strategic workshop to review the Sea Fisheries Bill and the Fisheries Management Plan, Prof. Anetekhai described the move as a “bold step towards harnessing Nigeria’s aquatic resources for sustainable economic growth.”
He urged participants to approach the review process with a shared sense of purpose, emphasizing the importance of clear legislative definitions and innovative management practices. “As we deliberate,” he said, “let’s focus on crafting innovative management strategies, embracing circular economy principles, and clarifying key terms to ensure effective implementation.”
The Sea Fisheries Bill, currently under review, is expected to modernize Nigeria’s legislative framework for managing marine resources, ensuring environmental sustainability while unlocking economic potential.
Similarly, the Fisheries Management Plan is being assessed for alignment with global best practices and the evolving demands of Nigeria’s blue economy.
The workshop, which commenced on April 15, brought together policymakers, legal experts, environmental advocates, academia, and industry players to discuss the future of Nigeria’s marine resources under the newly established Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The event which runs through April 16, is expected to provide a critical platform for dialogue on responsible fisheries governance, marine biodiversity protection, and sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
Blacktalker reports that with Nigeria’s marine sector playing a vital role in food security, employment, and trade, the outcomes of the workshop are anticipated to shape national policy and regulatory reforms in the months ahead.
