Fubara raises alarm over activities of foreign trawlers in Nigeria waterways

Rivers State Governor Siminalaye Fubara has called for decisive action to curb the continuous illegal activities of foreign fishing trawlers operating within Nigeria's maritime environment. Speaking at the 66th Annual General Meeting/Conference of The Nigerian Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Port Harcourt, Fubara highlighted the detrimental impact of these foreign vessels.

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We must wake up and be the watchdog and make sure that what is ours remain 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 Sea food and go away

Represented by his deputy, Professor Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu, the governor stated that the nation must remain vigilant against foreign fishing trawlers that "scoop up the nation’s sea food without compensation." He stressed the importance of protecting national resources, asserting, "We must wake up and be the watchdog and make sure that what is ours remain ours." Fubara noted that these trawlers operate without paying taxes or any form of premium, underscoring the financial loss to the country.

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They don’t pay taxes they don’t pay any premium.So I thanked NACCIMA for this wakeup call,it couldn’t have been more timely

Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to NACCIMA for choosing Rivers State to host the conference, particularly given its theme, "The Gulf of Guinea And The Blue Economy: PATHWAYS To A ONE Trillion dollars Economy." He interpreted the choice as a deliberate effort to draw attention to the critical issue of the blue economy. Furthermore, he used the occasion to assure the world of Rivers State's safety and hospitality, celebrating the historic hosting of the NACCIMA AGM as a testament to the state's growing appeal as a destination for business, investment, and partnerships.

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I believe that you have done it intentionally to draw our attention to the issue of blue economy which is the theme of your conference this year

The administration's vision, Fubara reiterated, is committed to fostering an enabling environment for private sector participation in investment promotion, job creation, and sustainable development. He emphasized that achieving full national potential requires the "intentional involvement of the organized private sector." Echoing this sentiment, NACCIMA National President Dr. Jani Ibrahim affirmed that his experiences confirmed Rivers State's readiness for business. He commended the state government for creating an environment conducive to business growth, investment, and economic development through strategic investments in infrastructure, urban renewal, and other projects that enhance the state's investment climate and competitiveness.

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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, this milestone reflects the growing confidence that Rivers state is a destination for business, investment and partnership