The Nigerian Navy, the Federal Department of Fisheries (FDF), and the Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NITOA) have reiterated their commitment to strengthening maritime security and ensuring safer fishing operations in Nigerian waters. This resolution was made during the first quarter Tripartite Meeting held at the Headquarters of the Western Naval Command in Lagos.
The meeting, chaired by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory Oamen, served as a platform for enhanced collaboration between the Navy and key stakeholders in the fishing industry. Rear Admiral Oamen emphasized the importance of the quarterly engagement in aligning with the Federal Government’s blue economy policy, which seeks to optimize maritime resources for national development.
Among the critical issues discussed was the training of Nigerian Navy personnel by the FDF on the Sea Fishery Act. This initiative aims to enhance fishery patrols and improve the inspection of fishing trawlers, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.
The meeting also covered bunkering procedures, emphasizing the need for adherence to best practices. Participants reviewed the Navy’s ongoing efforts to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain and explored ways fishing trawlers could contribute to these initiatives.
Stakeholders commended the Nigerian Navy for its proactive measures, particularly in the timely issuance of a challenge and response code for fishing vessels, as well as the swift processing and release of arrested fishing vessels to the relevant authorities within 48 hours. Additionally, attendees noted the significant decline in Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF) in Nigeria’s waters, attributing this success to the Navy’s strategic interventions.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Rear Admiral Oamen assured stakeholders that the Nigerian Navy would continue to implement necessary measures to secure the country’s maritime environment. He reaffirmed the Navy’s dedication to fostering a safe and conducive atmosphere for fishing operations, in line with the Federal Government’s vision for a thriving blue economy.
The meeting brought together key players from the fishing industry and the Nigerian Navy. Notable attendees included Mr. Usman Garba, Head of the Lagos FDF Office, and Mrs. Ben Okonkwo, President of NITOA, alongside representatives of various fishing companies.
From the Nigerian Navy, present at the meeting were Commodore A Mohammed (COO West), Commodore CE Orji (COO East, via Zoom), Commodore HJ Aruomaren (COO Central, via Zoom), Captain LD Deyin (Representative of the Fleet Commander, West), Captain TA Ogunkoya (CTO, West), and Commander A Ahmed (CINFO, West).
The discussions and resolutions from the Tripartite Meeting are expected to strengthen coordination among stakeholders, further enhancing maritime security and sustainability in Nigeria’s fishing industry.