Connect with us

Published

on

High Demand For Seafood Globally Responsible For Illegal, Unregulated Fishing – U.S.—-The United States says the global high demand for seafood is responsible for illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing.

Jennifer Littlejohn, U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES), said this during a digital news conference.

She was speaking on efforts by the U.S.  to curb environmental challenges in Africa, on Tuesday in Accra, Ghana, ahead of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) slated for Nairobi, Kenya.

Fielding questions from the online participants, including the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), she explained that illegal, unregulated, unreported fishing (IUU), has had the greatest impact on marine biodiversity in the past 50 years. 

According to her, the global surge in fish demand has also increased pressure on fish stocks from fleets globally, both on the high seas and in areas under national jurisdiction, with negative environmental consequences.

She said: “As it (demand) continues to grow, there are more and bigger fishing vessels than ever before working to feed this market.  And of course, we know that the lucrative but competitive global fisheries market also spurs vessels to try to avoid the operational costs associated with sustainable fisheries management by engaging again in IUU fishing.  

“The 2019 Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity Ecosystem Services – report on global biodiversity concluded that fishing has had the greatest impact on marine biodiversity in the past 50 years, which is exacerbated by IUU fishing. 

“So IUU fishing can result in overfishing, which damages ocean biodiversity, and additionally, the use of prohibited gear can result in bycatch of non-target species, causing yet even greater harm to biodiversity.”

She said that IUU fishing may also degrade marine ecosystems, such as corals and sea mounds with negative consequences for the marine species that depend on these habitats. 

Littlejohn said IUU fishing costs the world tens of billions of dollars annually, with a recent UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report indicating that this may represent 26 million tons of fish caught annually. 

The diplomat said the U.S. seafood imports alone was worth about two and a half billion US dollars a year, with nearly 11 per cent of the U.S. market derived from IUU fishing. 

“Now, as both a major harvester and a top market for fishing products, the United States has, I would say, long emphasized working with other countries to improve fisheries governance and enforcement to prevent IUU-sourced fish and fish products from entering our markets, and I know that that is the same for markets around the globe.  

“So speaking from the U.S. perspective, the United States is a leader in promoting sustainable fisheries internationally through effective, science-based fisheries management and cooperative tools to combat IUU fishing, including strong monitoring, control, and surveillance measures.  

“Now, the United States promotes the implementation of the Port State Measures Agreement, a groundbreaking treaty designed to ensure catches from IUU fishing vessels cannot be offloaded in ports and then, of course, enter the global market,” she said.

Littlejohn said that the U.S. also helped launch, through the FAO, the Global Record of Fishing Vessels – it’s Refrigerated Transport Vessels and Supply Vessels, as part of the measures to curb the menace of illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing. 

“This innovative, publicly accessible record of the world’s fishing vessels increases transparency in international fisheries and enhances the ability of countries and markets to verify fishing’s identity,” she added.

0Shares
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Uncategorized

JUST IN: EFCC Officers Arrested, Detained For Fraud In Lagos

Published

on

EFCC Officers Arrested

JUST IN: EFCC Officers Arrested, Detained For Fraud In Lagos—-Thecloudngr reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained 10 officers from its Lagos Zonal Command over the alleged theft of missing operational items.

The commission’s Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Oyewale stated that the development was part of EFCC Chairman Mr Ola Olukoyede’s ongoing efforts to rid the commission of corrupt practices.

He explained that the officers were arrested last week following directives from the EFCC boss.

“The affected officers are being questioned regarding the theft of operational items they could not account for.

“Investigators are making good progress, and those found guilty will face internal disciplinary processes,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the EFCC also announced on Monday the dismissal of 27 officers as part of its efforts to enforce integrity and combat fraud.

Oyewale noted that these officers were involved in fraudulent activities and misconduct in 2024.

He said their dismissal was ratified by the EFCC chairman, based on recommendations from the anti-graft staff disciplinary committee.

Olukoyede reaffirmed the EFCC’s commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, warning that no officer would be immune to disciplinary action.

0Shares
Continue Reading

News

ERPS: Modo Ante Restates Commitment to Technology, Innovation for Progressive Revenue Generation

Published

on

Modo Ante

ERPS: Modo Ante Restates Commitment to Technology, Innovation for Progressive Revenue Generation—–The CEO/Founder of Modo Ante, a Public Governance and Policy Consultancy, Mr. Bamijoko Okupe, has restated the company’s commitment to the application of technology and innovation as creative and transformative tools for progressive revenue generation in Lagos State, and across the country.

 

He affirmed this at the Eko Revenue Plus Summit which held recently at the Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

 

Okupe applauded the leadership of Governor Sanwo-Olu for prioritizing technology-driven governance. “The Eko Revenue Plus Summit has proven that when government and private sector stakeholders collaborate, the possibilities for revenue generation and sustainable development are limitless,” he said.

 

Reiterating Modo Ante’s commitment, Okupe outlined the consultancy’s three-pronged approach to revenue optimization: Harnessing technology for efficiency, developing customized digital solutions to improve tax compliance, streamline public service delivery, and enhance transparency. Innovative Policy Frameworks: Advising governments on policies that incentivize private sector investment while creating sustainable revenue streams. Strategic Communication: Designing campaigns that foster public trust and encourage compliance with tax and regulatory requirements.

 

Okupe, who is also the co-Convener of the summit, emphasized the critical role of data analytics and economic modelling in solving complex governance challenges. “At Modo Ante, we believe in the power of data to guide decision-making. Our goal is to provide actionable insights that drive growth and create value for all stakeholders,” he explained.

 

He stressed the importance of continuous dialogue and knowledge sharing to sustain the momentum generated by the summit. “The Eko Revenue Plus Summit is not just an event; it is the beginning of a movement. Together, we can build a future where technology and innovation drive inclusive growth and prosperity,” he declared.

 

Following the conclusion of the highly successful Eko Revenue Plus Summit, Modo Ante, a leading consultancy specializing in Governance, Public Sector, and Political Organisation Consulting, has reiterated its dedication to leveraging technology and innovative strategies to optimize revenue generation for governments and corporate organizations.

 

The two-day summit, brought together policymakers, thought leaders, and private sector stakeholders to explore new revenue streams and innovative approaches to governance and economic development. Anchored by Modo Ante in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, the summit served as a platform for robust discussions on the role of technology and innovation in addressing fiscal challenges and enhancing public service delivery.

 

In his keynote address, Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu advocated for broader revenue strategies in the state beyond taxation, including optimizing state-owned assets and creating new economic opportunities that Eko Revenue Plus Summit would identify. He urged the private sector to partner with the state under the PPPs in creating innovative revenue solutions, particularly in real estate, waste management, and technology and how to hold the government accountable for revenue. According to him, these three identified areas have enormous revenue potentials that are not yet fully tapped.

 

The Governor underscored the importance of technology as a critical tool for modern governance and revenue optimization. He emphasized the state’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve by embracing innovative solutions to manage its growing urban population and expanding economy.

 

“The Lagos State Government has consistently demonstrated leadership in adopting cutting-edge technology to drive development and improve revenue collection,” Sanwo-Olu stated. He highlighted the ongoing deployment of digital tools such as the Lagos State Unified Revenue Portal, which has simplified tax collection processes and improved transparency.

 

During his recap of proceedings, Mr. Abdul-kabir Opeyemi Ogungbo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation and Revenue, presented a detailed roadmap for sustainable revenue growth in Lagos State. He highlighted the state’s achievements in widening the tax net and implementing data-driven policies to improve compliance.

 

“Our success stems from our ability to innovate and deploy intelligent systems that simplify revenue collection while ensuring accountability,” Ogungbo noted. He cited the state’s partnership with private sector technology firms in developing analytics tools that identify untapped revenue sources.

 

Ogungbo called on other states in Nigeria to emulate Lagos by prioritizing investments in technology and capacity building. “Revenue generation in the 21st century requires a shift from traditional methods to a more data-centric approach. The Lagos example is a template that can be replicated across the country,” he asserted.

 

The success of the Eko Revenue Plus Summit underscores the growing recognition of technology and innovation as indispensable tools for governance and economic development. Modo Ante’s pivotal role in organizing the summit and its commitment to transformative solutions solidify its position as a leader in the consulting space.

 

As the consultancy continues to engage with governments and corporate organizations, it remains steadfast in its mission to deliver impactful results that foster sustainable development. With its expertise in governance, public policy, and political communication, Modo Ante is poised to reshape the future of revenue generation and public service delivery in Nigeria and beyond.

 

The summit concluded with a renewed call for collaboration between government, private sector, and civil society to address fiscal challenges and unlock new revenue streams. Participants lauded the role of technology and innovation as game-changers in public finance management.

 

 

 

0Shares
Continue Reading

Trending

0Shares