NAGAFF seeks sustainable fishing to boost food security, coastal livelihoods
By Eberechi Obinagwam
The National President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Tochukwu Ezisi, has called for sustainable fishing practices and efficient maritime logistics to protect Nigeria’s aquatic resources, boost food security and safeguard livelihoods in coastal communities.
The NAGAFF president stated this while delivering his opening remarks at the Nigeria Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation, MARCON, National Conference on Sustainable Fishing in Nigeria, held in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Sustainable Fishing in Nigeria: Pathway to Growth, Food Security and Coastal Livelihoods,” he said fishing was not merely an industry but a source of food, employment and livelihood for millions of Nigerians.
Ezisi who was represented by the Secretary General of NAGAFF, Godfrey Nwosu, warned that depletion of Nigeria’s aquatic resources could undermine the ability of future generations to benefit from the country’s fisheries.
He said, sustainable fishing requires balancing economic growth with responsible management of maritime resources.
“Fishing is more than an industry; it is food on our tables, jobs for our people, and life for our coastal communities. But it must be sustainable,” he said.
He commended MARCON for convening stakeholders to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s fishing industry, urging participants to develop practical solutions that would make sustainable fishing a pillar of national development.
He also called for greater recognition of the role of freight forwarders in the fisheries value chain, saying efficient logistics and transparent supply chains were essential to moving sustainably harvested fish to markets safely, affordably and in line with international standards.
He said freight forwarders should be regarded not only as facilitators of trade but also as partners in promoting food security and supporting coastal livelihoods.
“Their impact on the fishing industry deserves our attention and deliberate integration into policy and practice,” he said, adding that effective economic regulation can reduce avoidable costs, improve service standards, promote fair competition, facilitate investment and strengthen market access.
