Adeyanju Sets Agenda For Marine and Blue Economy Minister, Urges FG To Prioritize Trawler Operations

By Roland Ekama 

The Deputy President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, has highlighted key aspects of the maritime sector that the federal government should prioritize through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Adeyanju, a former President General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), recently called on the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, to sustain the momentum of Nigeria’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Category C seat by enforcing the Cabotage Act.

This , he said would enable trawler operations to thrive in the country.

The unionist reiterated that fishing activities have the potential to provide jobs for Nigerians, especially seafarers, noting that revenue generation from this sub-sector remains an untapped gold mine.

He further lamented that foreign dominance in the fishing and trawling business sends the wrong message to the global maritime community.

Adeyanju tasked the Minister with introducing innovations that could serve as game changers.

According to him, trawler owners should be empowered to build capacity for seafarers and create jobs, adding that fishing activities across the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), if properly harnessed, could position Nigeria as Africa’s leading nation in fisheries.

The NLC top brass further noted that gangway and onboard security are key elements.

He stressed that maritime academies—such as the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) in Oron, Akwa Ibom State; the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU) Okerenkoko, Delta State ; and the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology on Victoria Island, Lagos should be adequately funded to produce world-class seafarers who can compete favorably with their foreign counterparts.

“I want to commend the Honourable Minister for the Category C seat victory at the IMO. We cannot fail again but must continue to improve the maritime sector.

“We are lagging behind in the trawling and fishing industry, where foreigners are dominating. I think the Minister should look into that sub-sector this year as part of efforts to effect change for trawling activities.

“The trawlers are reducing drastically, and it is not healthy for our oceans and seas. But the government has what it takes to change this narrative for better fishing activities to thrive in the country.”However, Adeyanju also commended the Minister for his solidarity and support as a worker-friendly player.