World Fishery Day: Merchant Navy boss, Bob Yousou calls for decent work pay for marine fishers.
..charges stakeholders to ameliorate sector ch.allenges
Segun Oladipupo
National President of the Nigeria. Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNOWTSSA), Chief Engr. Bob Joseph Yousou has called on the authorities and stakeholders in the fishing industry to help ameliorate the numerous challenges.
Refering to the workers as uncommon professionals, Engr Yousou called for a decent work pay, a good working policy, an enabling environment and safety for all officers in the fishing sector.
The Merchant Navy boss stated this on the occasion of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) World Fishery Day celebration
“The 21st of November every year is set aside to celebrate marine fishers, to appreciate their contributions towards the availability and production of aquatic foods to the world at large and evaluate their challenges as they carryout the herculean task of fishery
“The theme of this year’s Fish Day is: “Build Enabling Policy Environment for small scale Artisanal Fisheries.
“In celebrating our Marine Fishers, we should take cognizance of the Crucial role of small scale Marine Fisheries in the sustainability of Fisheries management.
“The artisanal fishers produce a higher percentage of fishes for our domestic consumption.
“As we celebrate sailors today, the National President, Chief Engr. Bob Joseph Yousuo uses this medium to congratulate all Nigerian Marine Fishers in particular and marine fishers globally. Also, we call on all authorities and stakeholders in the fishery sector to assist in ameliorating the challenges facing this group of uncommon professionals. We call for a “Decent Work and Decent Pay”, a good working policy, an enabling environment and safety for all Officers in the Fishing Sector.
“The number one Seafarer called on the Minister of the Blue and Marine Economy through NIMASA, FDF, NITOA and other stakeholders in the Fishing sector to ensure that our Marine Fishers are given their due respect and attention they truly deserve.
“It’s also worthy to note that the Association is not relenting in assisting for better welfare and wellbeing of Nigerian Marine Fishers hence is seriously collaborating with both Ministry of Marine and blue economy, Agriculture and labour and employment for the speedy ratification process of ILO CONVENTION 188F.
“It’s on this note, chief Engineer BOB JOSEPH YOUSUO urged the employers of Nigerian marine fishers to consider them as assets and encourage the Marine Fishers to be professional in discharge of their daily duties.
“A big Congratulations to NIGERIAN Marine Fishers as Marine Fishers are celebrated world wide today.”
