Rivers State Governor Siminalaye Fubara has called for urgent action to stop the illegal activities of foreign fishing trawlers operating in Nigeria’s maritime environment, warning that the country is losing valuable marine resources without any economic benefit.
The governor made the call while declaring open the 66th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Port Harcourt. 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, Fubara lamented that foreign trawlers continue to exploit Nigeria’s coastal waters by harvesting seafood without paying taxes or compensation.
“We must wake up and protect what belongs to us. Foreign trawlers come to our coast, harvest our seafood and leave without paying taxes or any form of premium. This issue deserves urgent attention,” he said.
The governor commended NACCIMA for choosing Rivers State to host the conference, describing the event as an opportunity to draw national attention to the economic potential of the blue economy.
He also said the decision to host the conference in Port Harcourt reflects growing confidence in Rivers State as a safe destination for business, investment and partnerships.
According to Fubara, his administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment for private sector investment, job creation and sustainable economic development.
“No nation can achieve its full economic potential without the deliberate involvement of the organised private sector,” he added.
Speaking at the event, NACCIMA National President, Dr. Jani Ibrahim, praised the Rivers State Government for its efforts in improving infrastructure, promoting investment and supporting private sector growth.|
He said the state’s investments in roads, transportation and enterprise development have strengthened its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading commercial and investment destinations.
Ibrahim expressed confidence that Rivers State has the potential to play a leading role in achieving Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy, particularly through the development of the blue economy.
Earlier, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, said hosting the conference would further position Rivers State as a major gateway for trade, investment and economic growth.
