In line with the African Union’s Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa – PFRS, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, Convener of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable – ABER, has called on all littoral state governors in Nigeria to strategically invest in and sustainably manage the country’s marine and aquatic resources.
Speaking with journalists in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Dr. Kiyaramo said this is essential to secure the well-being of present and future generations and to demonstrate a firm commitment to building a sustainable blue economy in their respective states.
“The PFRS provides a clear roadmap for us to transform fisheries and aquaculture into engines of food security, jobs, and climate resilience,” Dr. Kiyaramo stated.
“Particularly, South-South governors have a unique opportunity to leverage our oceans, rivers, and coastal ecosystems to secure prosperity for current and future generations, while advancing Nigeria’s commitments under CAADP and the National Blue Economy agenda.”
He urged state governments to prioritize support for artisanal fishers, women, and coastal communities, and to integrate blue economy investments into their state development plans.
The former Senior Special Assistant to the Bayelsa State Government also commended Governor Douye Diri for his pacesetter role in advancing the blue economy in Nigeria, and called on other littoral governors to emulate his example.
The Policy Context: PFRS & CAADP Alignment:
Adopted by the African Union in 2014, the PFRS positions fisheries and aquaculture as a core pillar of agriculture under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme – CAADP and the Malabo Declaration.
Its core goals include: End overfishing and IUU fishing through science-based stock management, position fish as central to ending hunger in Africa, protect and formalize artisanal fishers, with deliberate focus on women and youth, increase intra-African trade in fish under AfCFTA, and support coastal communities to adapt to climate change and ocean degradation
By treating fisheries as part of agriculture, PFRS enables states to meet CAADP targets including 6% annual growth in agriculture GDP, job creation, reduced post-harvest losses, and stronger food systems.
Why the South-South Must Lead?
The South-South region holds over 60% of Nigeria’s coastline, major estuaries, mangroves, and inland waters. Aligning with PFRS and CAADP gives governors the opportunity to integrate fisheries into state agriculture budgets with a 10% allocation target and attract investments in aquaculture, processing, cold chain, and marine tourism.
Formalize fishing communities, reduce post-harvest losses, and tackle IUU fishing, invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, especially for women in coastal areas, reduce rural poverty and migration by creating decent jobs at the coast, while contributing directly to Nigeria’s National Blue Economy Roadmap and NDC climate goals.
Dr. Kiyaramo’s call is simple: treat the ocean like farmland. Manage it, invest in it, and protect the people who depend on it, just as PFRS and CAADP recommend,” ABER stated.
