Fisheries and Aquaculture central to Nigeria’s Blue Economy – President Tinubu
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government of Nigeria has said that it is willing to make the fishery and aquaculture sector play a central role in the growth and development of the nation’s Blue Economy. This was made known by the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 39th Annual National Conference and General Meeting, a program organised by the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) taking place from the 28th of October to the 1st of November, 2024 in Abuja.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola said that the recent transfer of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture from the Ministry of Agriculture to Marine and Blue Economy is an indication that Mr President is determined to make the sector play a key role in his vision for sustainable economic diversification.
The Minister noted that the theme of this year’s conference, ” Unlocking The Investment Potential Of Nigeria’s Blue Economy: Advancing The Fisheries And Aquaculture Sector For Sustainable Development” aligns with Mr President’s goal of expanding the frontiers of the nation’s economic opportunities.
“The theme of this year’s conference is very significant as it aligns with Mr President’s vision for sustainable economic diversification, highlighted in the agenda and creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. This itself has been enforced in the recent transfer of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. This development is significant as it places all issues merited to fisheries administration and related activities under the direct supervision of the Ministry.
“The establishment of this ministry marks the beginning of a new era for the fisheries and aquaculture sub-sector. In alignment of Mr President’s vision for the sub-sector, the ministry is committed to achieving self sufficiency in fish production and position Nigeria as the major exporter of fish and fisheries products”
Oyetola further stated that, ” the Ministry is also embarking on various initiatives tailored towards fisheries management, boosting investment of fisheries and aquaculture development, improving post-harvest infrastructure, promoting innovation, leveraging technology and fostering multi-stakeholders collaborations”.
The Minister maintained is focused on tapping into the full spectrum of the nation’s marine resources as the sub-sector holds great potentials to increase food production, create job opportunities, and enhance economic development for Nigerians.
Hear him, “Fisheries and aquaculture is central to the broader vision to grow Nigeria’s Blue Economy sector. The Ministry’s strategic focus is to upscale fish production in a sustainable manner, tapping into the full spectrum of our marine resources. This sub-sector holds the potential to unlock long term resources, increase food production, bring job opportunities and drive sustainable development across our coastal and inland waters.This in turn, provides long term prosperity and security for future generations among other goals.”
He added that since the department was moved to the ministry in the last nine months, it has made remarkable progress and achieved a number of goals which includes, increase in feed production while reducing importation, engaged stakeholders to identify the needs and recommendations for the growth of the industry, leverage on Public Private Partnership to increase investment in the sector, study best practices from countries like Morocco and collaborated with international organisations such as, FAO, recertification of Nigeria to export shrimps to the US, EU and other world markets, certification of the Turtle Excluder Device while security a score of 100 per cent for the first time in history.
Oh her part, the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack commended Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON), “for its commitment to excellent innovations and sustainable practices in a sector that holds the promises of both economic growth and food security for Nigeria”
Mrs Walson-Jack also performed the investiture ceremony on new Fellows and those deserving merit awards.
She noted that through the actions of the Society, Nigeria is recording progress in its vision of self-sufficiency, job creation, and environmental stewardship.
“Your commitment to sustainable fisheries aligns deeply with our national objectives, especially in the face of current environmental and economic challenges. By enhancing the productivity of our fisheries, promoting research, and building capacity, you are laying the groundwork for our future that balances the needs of today with the preservation of resources for the generations to come.
In her address, the National President, Fisheries Society of Nigeria, Dr. Ebini Joseph Ansa said the theme of the conference of this year, “aligns with the global trend in seeking ways of improving the economies of both coastal and inland states and represents a defining moment for our society and our country Nigeria. Our discussions, deliberations, and resolutions over the coming days will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s blue economy, particularly our fisheries and aquaculture sectors, which are integral to the United Nation’s sustainable development goals ” she stressed.
(FMM&BE Press)
