The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, said it is seeking the support of the People’s Republic of China in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing through modern monitoring technologies, satellite-based tracking systems and joint enforcement initiatives.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stated this during a bilateral meeting with China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Mr. Li Yang, on the sidelines of maritime engagements in London.
Oyetola also called for Chinese support in developing Nigeria’s fisheries and aquatic resources, identifying it as a major pillar of the country’s blue economy expansion strategy.
He expressed deep appreciation for China’s continued partnership and its pledge to back Nigeria’s International Maritime Organisation Council bid, assuring that Nigeria would reciprocate the goodwill.
The former Osun State governor highlighted Nigeria’s desire to deepen technical collaboration with China in several strategic areas, including port digitalisation, “maritime safety, shipbuilding and ship repair capacity, inland waterways development, seafarer training, blue economy investments and maritime environmental protection.”
