Abuja:Nigeria and Norway have agreed to collaborate on satellite surveillance to combat illegal fishing in Nigerian waters. The Federal Government of Nigeria has committed to participating in the Blue Justice Initiative to enhance maritime security and address Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, assured the Norwegian Ambassador, Mr. Svein Baera, of Nigeria’s involvement in the initiative during a meeting in Abuja. The initiative will deploy satellite-based vessel-tracking technology to monitor maritime activities, protect fisheries, and enforce regulations against illegal fishing.
Oyetola expressed concerns about foreign operators illegally harvesting fish from Nigerian waters, which they then rebrand and sell back at high prices. He emphasized the importance of protecting local livelihoods and Nigeria’s economic interests by preventing such practices.
The minister highlighted that improving satellite surveillance and intelligence sharing would aid in detecting suspicious vessel movements and enforcing fisheries regulations. He stressed that protecting Nigeria’s waters is both an environmental responsibility and an economic necessity.
Nigeria is also focused on boosting domestic fish production, reducing import dependency, and enhancing job creation, all while conserving foreign exchange. The government seeks to deepen its partnership with Norway in sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture, green shipping, and technology transfer.
Norwegian Ambassador Baera introduced the Blue Justice Initiative as a mechanism to strengthen maritime surveillance and cooperation among governments. He noted that Norway has developed satellites capable of monitoring the Nigerian coast and West Africa, providing valuable data for identifying illegal fishing activities.
The initiative encourages intelligence sharing and experience exchange, enhancing countries’ capacities to combat maritime crimes. Baera invited Nigeria to join the Blue Justice Community and extended an invitation to host a Nigerian delegation to explore opportunities in aquaculture development.
Ms. Michelle Hovi from the Norwegian Embassy further explained that the initiative provides real-time and historical vessel-tracking data, offering technical guidance and training opportunities for maritime authorities. With over 40 countries participating, Norway is eager to welcome Nigeria to the initiative.
The meeting concluded with both nations expressing their commitment to strengthening cooperation in maritime security, sustainable fisheries management, and aquaculture development.