Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), praised the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) for its dedication to fostering excellence, innovation, and capacity building within Nigeria’s fishing industry, recognizing its critical role in driving economic growth and ensuring food security.
Mrs. Walson-Jack shared these remarks during the opening of FISON’s 39th Annual Conference in Abuja, themed “Unlocking the Investment Potential of Nigeria’s Blue Economy: Advancing the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sectors for Sustainable Development.” She noted FISON’s commendable efforts in advancing sustainable fisheries, emphasizing that these efforts align with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
She also highlighted the impactful contributions of FISON members in steering the sector toward self-sufficiency, job creation, and environmental stewardship, attributing these advancements to collaboration and resilience within the industry. Mrs. Walson-Jack added that improving fisheries productivity, responsible dredging in lagoons and coastal areas, and a commitment to research and capacity building would secure resources for future generations.
Applauding the FISON fellows and awardees at the conference for their achievements, she recognized their dedication to advancing research that strengthens fisheries productivity nationwide.
In his opening speech, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, underscored the strategic role of the blue economy in Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainable development, stating that the fisheries and aquaculture sectors are essential for food security, job creation, and economic diversification.
Dr. Ansa Ebinimi, National President of FISON, emphasized in her welcome address the need to formally establish the Fisheries Institute of Nigeria (FIN). She argued that professionalizing the sector would elevate standards, build capacity, and ensure operations align with global benchmarks. Dr. Ebinimi also called on the Minister to support the FIN Bill as an Executive Bill to the National Assembly.
The conference’s keynote speaker, Dr. Mohammed Seisay from the African Union—Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources, discussed Africa’s rich marine and freshwater ecosystems. He highlighted the high commercial potential within fisheries resources, which could support large-scale investments in fishing, processing, and related industries. Dr. Seisay further emphasized the sector’s contribution to food security, livelihoods, and social safety nets across African nations.
