Fisheries operators in Nigeria, working under the Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria Limited, have reported that the country is losing about $70 million every year due to outdated fishing laws. This information was shared by the National President of the Federation, Muhammad Laminu, during a phone interview with Sunday PUNCH.
Laminu pointed out that the Nigerian fishing industry is facing significant challenges, particularly from unreported, illegal, and unregulated fishing activities. He explained that unregulated fishing refers to fishing practices that break existing laws. The main issue, according to him, is that the laws governing fishing in Nigeria have not been updated since they were created in the 1980s. This means that they do not reflect the current realities of the fishing industry today.
He stressed the importance of the government updating these laws to ensure they are effective in addressing modern challenges. Laminu stated that the current laws are inadequate and cannot effectively solve the problems facing the fishing sector today.
Another significant issue is the enforcement of these laws. The Federal Department of Fisheries is responsible for regulating fishing activities in Nigeria, but Laminu noted that it struggles to do so effectively because it lacks sufficient funding.
Corruption also plays a role in the problems facing the fishing industry. Many individuals are exploiting Nigeria’s fish resources, both in the ocean and in other bodies of water, which further complicates the situation.
Laminu emphasized the urgent need for the government to implement comprehensive reforms and increase funding for the fishing sector. He believes that without proper support and funding, the industry will continue to suffer, leading to an annual loss of over $70 million.
To address these issues, the Fisheries Cooperative Federation is also working on a training program to help its members improve their skills and knowledge about modern fishing practices. Laminu highlighted that unregulated fishing is depleting the country’s fish stocks and has resulted in foreign fishing trawlers encroaching on Nigerian waters.
In summary, Laminu called for the National Assembly to review and update the outdated fishing laws to create a more effective regulatory framework for the industry. He believes that establishing current and standardized regulations is essential for the sustainability of Nigeria’s fishing resources.
