Rabat – A high-level Nigerian delegation is visiting Morocco to learn more about the country’s scientific and developmental efforts related to the maritime economy.
Led by Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, the delegation has been visiting the ports of Dakhla and Tangier Med, as well as Morocco’s National Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Bouznika, and the National Fishing Vessel Monitoring Center in Rabat.
On Friday, the prestigious group was welcomed by Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development and Water and Forests Mohamed Sadiki. The minister welcomed the group on board of the Moroccan research ship Al Hassan Al Marrakchi, which is used to monitor fishery resources and perform oceanographic research.
The multi-purpose research vessel is equipped with cutting-edge technology and enables up to 33 scientists at a time to study the marine ecosystem and work in the ship’s multifunctional laboratories for acoustics, oceanography, hydrography and marine biology.
The delegation were presented with in-depth information on how the modern research vessel serves to ensure sustainable management of Morocco’s fisheries resources.
The director of the National Institute for Fisheries Research (INRH), Abdelmalek Faraj, described the vessel to Moroccan stats media, calling it “a true jewel of oceanographic and scientific research.” Faraj welcomed the Nigerian delegation, seeing it as an excellent way to boost bilateral cooperation.
Nigeria is keen to work with partners to grow its “blue economy,” referring to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth. This part of the economy is crucial for nations that border the sea, contributing about $300 billion in economic activity in Africa alone. The blue economy in Africa is estimated to support 50 million jobs on the continent, although overfishing and illegal fishing risk the long-term sustainability of the sector.
