Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for urgent action to check the illegal incursion of foreign fishing trawlers into Nigeria’s maritime environment.
Naijaonpoint reports that Fubara spoke in Port Harcourt while declaring open the 66th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture.
The conference was themed, “The Gulf of Guinea and the Blue Economy: Pathways to a One Trillion Dollar Economy.”
Represented by his deputy, Prof Ngozi Nma Odu, the governor said Nigeria must protect its marine resources from exploitation by foreign vessels.
“We must wake up and be the watchdog and make sure that what is ours remains ours, because I have mentioned it twice in other fora that trawlers come to our coast, the West African Coast, the Nigerian coast, to scoop up seafood and go away.
“They don’t pay taxes; they don’t pay any premium. So, I thank NACCIMA for this wake-up call. It couldn’t have been more timely,” he said.
Fubara commended NACCIMA for choosing Rivers State to host the conference, saying the decision showed confidence in the state.
“I also thank you for proving to the world that Rivers State is safe, Rivers State is hospitable. We are particularly delighted that for the first time in the history of Rivers State, this prestigious NACCIMA AGM is being hosted here,” he said.
He added that his administration remained committed to creating an enabling environment for private sector participation, investment promotion, job creation and sustainable development.
NACCIMA National President, Dr Jani Ibrahim, said his experience in the state had confirmed that Rivers was ready for business.
He commended the state government for investing in roads, transport infrastructure, urban renewal and private sector engagement.
“We are hopeful and we are convinced that Rivers State will provide the lessons, the home for a blue economy for Nigeria,” Ibrahim said.
Earlier, the President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr Chinyere Nwoga, said hosting the conference in Port Harcourt would help position Rivers State as Nigeria’s economic gateway.
