The drive to increase and enhance fish production in Nigeria received a boost today as the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and its counterpart, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation agreed to set-up a Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) to collaborate in scaling up fish production using available water resources.
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, made this disclosure when he paid a courtesy visit on the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, in Abuja today, 6th February, 2025.
Highlighting the basis for the partnership, the Minister said: “This initiative represents a transformative step towards achieving national food security, economic diversification, and sustainable aquaculture development. The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is fully committed to collaborating closely with your Ministry to ensure the successful implementation of this project. I therefore seek your concurrence and support for this collaboration, which promises not only to increase fish production but also contribute significantly to rural economic empowerment.”
Furthermore, Oyetola observed that “Nigeria’s water bodies offer significant potential for our fisheries sector, food security, and economic empowerment. However, these potentials remain largely untapped. Current fish production is insufficient, necessitating imports.”
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation plays a critical role and cannot be overlooked as “its responsibility for water resource management is fundamental to any fish production initiative. Sustainable water management is essential for healthy aquatic ecosystems and pollution prevention.”
While congratulating him on the approval given at the National Council of Water Resources and Sanitation at Uyo, Awka Ibom State, to replicate the Oyan Dam Cage Culture Model nationwide to accelerate fish production, Oyatola expressed the desire to visit the dam to gain firsthand insight into its successful operations and best practices.
Responding, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Utsev, said his Ministry is more than willing to collaborate as one of its key mandates is to boost food production, thereby creating jobs for the people, especially women and the youth “and by doing that the well-being of our country and economy is enhanced”.
The Minister informed that the Ministry has three key departments: Dams and Reservouirs, Water Supply and the River Basins, adding that the Oyan dam, Oyetola, mentioned is operated and managed by the Ogun-Osun River Basin with the same mandate as the one collaboration is being sought.
“We are assuring you that by the end of the second quarter of the year, 2025, you propose, Nigerians will see meaningful achievement between the two Ministries in the course of our collaboration”, Prof. Utsev said.
Regarding Oyetola’s request to visit Oyan Dam, Prof. Utsev, promised to provide an expert that will take him on guided tour of the facilities.
Signed
Anastasia Ogbonna
Director (Information & PR)
