By Edwin Nwachukwu
The Norwegian Seafood Council is set to hold a One-Day Interactive Seminar at the Eko Hotel and Suites (Lavender Hall), Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to a joint statement signed by Mr. Trond Kostveit, Director Africa Norwegian Seafood Council, and Ms. Abbey Cheke, Nigeria, the event is scheduled to be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at 09:30 am.
Norway and Nigeria have long traditions in working together; as the Export of Stockfish started as early as the 1890s, and it is today enjoyed by Nigerians all over the country and is now an important part of the Nigerian Cuisine.
Norwegian Stockfish has high nutritional benefits in addition to the widely appreciated taste.
Furthermore, Stockfish Heads are currently more or less the most affordable protein for the majority of Nigerians in the low-income bracket.
Many livelihoods depend on the Stockfish trade as both Men and Women are involved in its sales in all the Nigerian Markets.
The One-Day Interactive Workshop is aimed at strengthening the relationship between The Norwegian Seafood Council, The Federal Government Regulatory Authorities involved in the Imports and Exports of Stockfish and seafood products in Nigeria, Stockfish Importers and Dealers, as well as Shipping Agents.
A Key objective of the One-Day Interactive Seminar aimed at Market Access will highlight the Sustainable Production, Harvesting, and Processing, of the Stockfish species (Cod), Pelagic Fishes (Mackerel and Herring), and other Seafood Products within the Blue Economy that have gained significant traction in recent years.
The Seminar will also highlight the Nutritional value of Stockfish and Stockfish Heads; and that their intake, especially by children will lead to better overall wellness of children and adults.
The Interactive Seminar will also be a further update on our part, that despite the popularity of Stockfish in Nigeria, it does not and will not pose a threat to the encouragement of an increased Local Production of Farmed Fish in Nigeria as the Imported volume is relatively low.
To show the Goodwill of the Norwegian Government through the Norwegian Seafood Council for the Promotion and Re-Entry of Nigeria’s Farmed Fish Products into International Markets of the European Union (EU) and the Americas; the Norwegian Seafood Council conducted a Capacity Building/ Training for Fisheries Officers and Stakeholders involved in Fish Farming and Processing for Export and Import of Nigerian Farmed Fish Products in May 2022 in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Interactive Seminar will also be an opportunity to welcome the incoming Norwegian Seafood Council’s Director (Africa), Mr. Johnny Haberg.
Nigeria therefore appreciated the outgoing Director (Africa), Mr. Trond Kostveit.
The challenges encountered by the operators in the imports of the Stockfish and Stockfish Heads are also expected to be discussed.
A communiqué is expected to be generated by the Stakeholders towards achieving the purpose of the Interactive Seminar.
