Fisheries operators pick holes in Marine and Blue Economy policy targets

• faults establishment of six fish processing plants

The Nigerian Trawlers Owners Association (NITOA)has revealed that the plan by the Federal Government to establish six new Fish Processing Plants by end of 2025, as stated in the Marine and Blue Economy policy, remains a talk-show as nothing significant as happened since the policy was unveiled in May 2025.

Recall that the Federal Government recently unveiled a 10-years National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, spanning from 2025 to 2034, to leverage the nations extensive marine resources for economic growth.

Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune exclusively on one of the targets of the policy which states that six new Fish Processing Plants will be established by end of 2025, the President of NITOA, Mrs. Ben Okonkwo described most of the promises regarding the fisheries sub-sector development as mere talk-shows.

According to the NITOA President: “I think the Federal Government should answer questions over plans to develop the fisheries sub-sector of the economy because most of these promises are talk-shows.

“The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy should be able to give Nigerians the best information regarding the establishment of six new Fish Processing Plants because we know that nothing is happening.

“Very soon, another summit with fisheries operators will be holding in Lagos. Journalists should ask questions on where the six processing plants have been sited and how many foundations have been laid.”

Checks by the Nigerian Tribune revealed that parts of the Marine and Blue Economy policy targets aim toattract private sector investment particularly in sectors like Fishing, Coastal Tourism, and Offshore Renewable Energy.

The Policy also focuses on creating jobs with a target of three million jobs through the Marine and Blue Economy sector within the next four years.

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Some other focus areas of the 10-years policy prioritizes the sustainable development of Nigeria’s marine resources including 420 nautical miles (853 kilometers) of coastline to drive economic