By Hauwa Ali
Norwegian authorities have announced that Nigeria has joined the fight against organised crime in global shipping industry, hailing the country for its commitment and leadership In combating global fisheries crime.
Norway’s fishing and oceans minister,BjornarSkjaeran, announced this during the Nor-fishing fair in Trondheim central, Norway recently.
According to her, Nigeria has shown a good example for joining the declaration and she hoped other African countries would join the declaration which is supported by Norwegian Blue Justice Initiative.
“Nigeria is Africa’s largesteconomy and a significant port nation. Therefore I would like to welcome you for your choice to support the declaration.” She said.
“This is a global problem and not least a big problem in west Africa. I hope this leads to more African countries following the. Nigerian example.
“ in order to reach more people, we have through the blue justice initiative invested particularly in digital joint services that will assist developing countries in their work against fisheries crime. In this way, they get to take part in opportunities that innovation and digitization provides in this field. “ she added.
Norway and eight other countries had adopted the political declaration on cross border organised crime in the global fishing industry and Nigeria’s support of the declaration would lead to more support from coastal nations.
The cooperation would be done through an international vessel tracking centre and a dig9tal platform to secure state to state cooperation against fisheries crime.
