Senator seeks stronger maritime laws, protection of fishing communities and investment in blue economy
Senator representing Edo South, Neda Imasuen, has raised concern over the estimated $2.3 billion West Africa loses annually to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
He warned that the practice is undermining the region’s maritime economy and threatening the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Imasuen called for urgent measures to protect marine resources and unlock the economic opportunities of the blue economy.
He spoke on Tuesday when a delegation of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER), led by its Founder and Convener, Dr Piriye Kiyaramo, visited him at the National Assembly in Abuja.
The senator pledged to champion the blue economy agenda through legislative interventions.
He also promised to facilitate engagements with relevant Senate committees to advance policies and laws for the sector.
Imasuen accepted to serve as a Patron of ABER.
During the meeting, Kiyaramo disclosed that West Africa loses an estimated $2.3 billion annually to illegal fishing.
He added that more than 70 per cent of artisanal fishers venture into the sea without basic safety equipment.
He further revealed that over 90 per cent of fisherfolk lack access to legal assistance and effective reporting channels.
Kiyaramo described the situation as a Blue Justice Gap in the Gulf of Guinea.
He called for stronger protection of vulnerable fishing communities.
Imasuen identified the Niger Delta’s coastline, beaches and marine resources as valuable economic assets that could attract investment and create jobs.
He listed coastal tourism, marine transportation, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture as areas with significant growth potential.
The senator commended Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for establishing a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
He urged other coastal states to follow the example by creating institutions and policies to develop their maritime sectors.
Imasuen noted that Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline and Edo State’s access to the Atlantic Ocean through its riverine communities offered significant economic opportunities.
He also called for enforcement of the five-nautical-mile Artisanal Exclusive Zone to protect small-scale fishers.
He advocated cold-chain storage facilities to empower women fish processors and reduce post-harvest losses.
Earlier, Kiyaramo described ABER as a Pan-African initiative under the BRACED Tourism Promotion and Development Initiative.
He said the organisation has offices in New Jersey and California in the United States, as well as a liaison bureau in Abuja.
Also speaking, ABER Women’s Forum Director of Policy and Advocacy, Dr Mrs Ezeadili Appolonia Obiageri, and Director of Communication and Public Affairs, Hajiya Medina Dauda Nadabo, commended Imasuen for his contributions and commitment to national development.