On July 16, 2025, the Nigerian Navy conducted a training program for its personnel focused on fisheries regulation enforcement at the NNS Beecroft Officers’ Mess in Apapa, Lagos.
This training, organized in partnership with the Federal Department of Fisheries, aimed to equip naval personnel with the knowledge and tools to effectively enforce fisheries laws within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Command Operations Officer Commodore A Mohammed represented the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command (FOC WNC), Rear Admiral MG Oamen
In his remarks, Commodore Mohammed emphasized the Nigerian Navy’s crucial role in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, threatening Nigeria’s maritime economy and ecosystem.
Facilitators from the Federal Department of Fisheries, Mr. Adedayo Akinbobola and Mr. Taiwo Are, delivered comprehensive lectures on key aspects of fisheries regulations, including licensing requirements and the collaborative roles of security agencies in ensuring compliance.
The session covered various topics, such as types of fishing vessels, non-trawling zones (0 – 5 nautical miles), and classification of fishing zones (ranging from 6 nautical miles to distant waters). The lectures explained practical procedures for identifying mandatory documents on board fishing vessels, mesh size regulations (44 mm for shrimping and 76 mm for fishing), as well as the procedures for apprehending violators, reporting violations, and preserving evidence for prosecution. Furthermore, the importance of collaboration between the Navy and fisheries officials for the sustainable management of marine resources was underscored.
The training concluded with an interactive session where participants raised operational questions and shared experiences from the field, reinforcing the Navy’s commitment to maritime security and national development.
