The Nigerian government has initiated a joint surveillance program with Norway to monitor and combat illegal fishing in Nigerian territorial waters. The initiative, announced by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, involves the use of satellite technology to track and prevent unauthorized fishing activities.
The partnership aims to address the growing issue of Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, which has been depleting marine resources and threatening the sustainability of Nigeria’s fisheries. The federal government has emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance to protect marine ecosystems and ensure the long-term viability of the fishing industry.
Illegal fishing has long been a challenge for Nigeria, with foreign vessels often operating in the country’s exclusive economic zone without proper authorization. These activities have led to the overexploitation of fish stocks and economic losses for local fishermen. The new surveillance system is expected to improve monitoring capabilities and support enforcement actions against illegal fishing operations. The collaboration with Norway, known for its expertise in maritime surveillance, is seen as a key step in strengthening Nigeria’s maritime security and resource management.
