Nigeria’s fisheries industry is set to gain a significant boost, positioning itself more firmly in the global seafood market.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, gave this assurance during a U.S. validation and recertification exercise in Lagos.
Oyetola stated that the Federal Government has been working tirelessly to harness Nigeria’s vast marine resources for sustainable development, benefiting millions of Nigerians.
“As we reflect on the immense value of our marine resources, not just as a source of livelihood for millions of Nigerians, but also as a cornerstone of our nation’s biodiversity, we remain committed to sustainable development and environmental management through the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda. This underscores our responsibility to preserve these vital resources,” he said.
Represented by the permanent secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Olufemi Oloruntola, the minister highlighted that the validation exercise, led by head of the U.S. Turtle Excluder Devices (TED) inspection team, Jared Milton and Blake Price, aligns Nigeria with international best fishing practices. He emphasised that compliance with these standards would open broader access to global seafood markets.
“Our expectations for this exercise are clear. First, we aim to validate that our fishery vessels are equipped with TEDs (Turtle Excluder Devices) that meet global specifications. This is essential for ensuring that Nigeria adheres to conservation protocols, which will, in turn, enhance our access to key international markets,” Oyetola added.
In line with the administration’s agenda to foster economic growth and environmental responsibility, the Ministry is committed to creating a balanced approach where both economic and ecological priorities coexist. “This exercise is a crucial step in achieving that balance, helping us build a resilient blue economy that supports both our marine resources and our communities,” the minister explained.
The director of fisheries and aquaculture at the ministry, Wellington Omoragbon expressed optimism about the anticipated recertification, stressing the importance of TEDs in conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable aquaculture.
In his goodwill message, Milton commended Nigeria for taking bold steps to preserve biodiversity and conserve ecosystems. He expressed eagerness to observe the TEDs in action.
