The Fisheries Corporation of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to establish the Nigeria Institute of Fisheries to strengthen the country’s fisheries resources and blue economy.

FISON President, Dr. Ebinimi Ansa, stated this in Abuja while speaking at the 39th Annual National Conference and Meeting/20th Fellowship Investiture Ceremony of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria.

“One of the key priorities of FISON is the urgent need to formally establish the Nigeria Institute of Fisheries. As we all know, professionalization of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors will not only strengthen our capabilities but also ensure that we operate according to globally accepted standards.

“Therefore, I use this platform to call on the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to sponsor the FIN Bill as an executive bill to be presented to the National Assembly,” Ansa said in a company press release.

She said the establishment of the institute would provide a structured framework for capacity building, certification and professional development.

“This will promote the transfer of knowledge and adoption of best practices in fisheries management, aquaculture operations and sustainability of marine resources, and ensure a coherent national strategy that aligns with international fisheries regulations and aquaculture, making Nigeria competitive both regionally and internationally.” » she declared.

Also in the statement, President Bola Tinubu received a grant from the company for the establishment of a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, adding that his administration had taken the step to reposition the country as a major player in the global blue economy.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, said the theme of the conference, “Unlocking the investment potential of Nigeria’s blue economy, advancing the fishing and aquaculture for sustainable development”, was appropriate and timely.

The Minister said: “The transfer of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy marks a new era for the sub-sectors fishing and aquaculture in order to help the country achieve self-sufficiency in fish. and position the country as a major exporter of fish and fishery products in the world.

In her speech, the Head of Service of the Federation, Ms. Didi Walson-Jack, said: “Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable fisheries deeply aligns with national objectives, particularly in the face of environmental and current economic conditions.

“By improving the productivity of our fisheries, promoting research and building capacity, you are laying the foundation for a future that balances the needs of today and the resources of generations to come. »