Dame Jonathan Commissions Nigeria’s Newly Acquired Fishing Vessel

.In a bid to boost its economy through the
agriculture sector, Nigeria today officially acquired
the first ever dual purpose vessel Newly built in
Gdansk, Republic of Poland.
The vessel is billed for deep sea fishing and
research works.
Dame Patience Jonathan, who commissioned the
vessel, expressed happiness that when put to use,
the vessel named RV Bayagbona after the First
Executive Director of Nigerian Institute of
Oceanography and Marine Research, Dr.
Bayagbona will further drive the Agricultural policy
of President Goodluck Jonathan to make Nigeria
self-sufficient in food production, especially fish
production.

The First Lady said the acquisition of the vessel
will enhance the exploration of these resources.
She also noted that the vessel will boost Nigeria’s
capacity in Marine and Oceanography research for
sustainable development and management of the
country’s vast resources.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,
Akinwumi Adesina said the acquisition of the 10.1
million Euro vessel will see to 25 per cent
reduction in fish importation, giving room for the
exploitation of the country’s rich tuna resources.
Channels Television’s correspondent, Lauretta
Chiogor, reports that RV Bayagbona is due back in
Nigeria next month and will be handed over to the
Institute for Marine Research and Oceanography.
She also adds that the vessel will operate on a
Public Private Partnership.