The President of the Nigerian Trawlers Owners Association (NITOA) Vincent Amire has commended the efforts of the Nigerian Navy in ensuring improved maritime security, which has improved their earnings.
A statement on Monday by the acting Director Information Nigerian Navy, Captain Suleman Dahun said Amire gave this commendation during a meeting with officers of the Training and Operations Branch of the Nigerian Navy in Abuja.
He explained that the meeting was convened to discuss the protection of the fisheries industry and the prevention of illegalities in fishing operations in Nigeria.
He noted that the NITOA President said there was significant improvement in maritime security as a result of sustained navy presence at sea.
According to Dahun, Amire said the impact of the improved secured environment has led to improved national earnings from the export of shrimps in Nigeria.
Amire is said to have observed that there was now improved confidence in Nigeria’s waters leading to a rise in the number of fishing vessels operating in Nigeria from 42 to 165.
Dahun said while assuring of its commitment to a secure maritime space, the Nigerian Navy implored NITOA to improve the vetting of its members to check sharp practices.
He said they must ensure that its vessels are fitted with prescribed vessel monitoring and tracking system to facilitate Nigerian Navy policing roles.
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