The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has called for a strengthened collaboration with Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) to drive sustainable growth within the nation’s aquatic sector.
The minister made this call in Abuja during a courtesy visit from the ARCN Executive Secretary, Dr. Abubakar Dabban.
During the meeting, Oyetola highlighted a significant structural shift in the sector, following a directive from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation that supervision of all fisheries-related research institutes and colleges be reassigned from the ARCN to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
This realignment followed the previous transfer of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to the Ministry.
Oyetola, in a statement issued by Director, Information and Public Relations of the Ministry, Anastasia Ogbonna, noted that while the ninistry now holds the primary supervisory mandate, the transition is designed to ensure: seamless sectoral alignment, effective oversight and knowledge continuity.
However, recognising ARCN’s decades of experience in managing national research systems, the Minister proposed joint initiatives focused on climate resilience, capacity building and youth and women empowerment.
He said: “ARCN’s expertise remains vital. We seek a seamless link between research, policy, and industry application to ensure food security and sustainable resource management.”
In response, Executive Secretary, ARCN Dr. Abubakar Dabban, lauded the creation of the Ministry as a visionary step toward economic diversification. He emphasized that Nigeria’s marine biotechnology and aquaculture potential require a foundation of rigorous scientific evidence.
While presenting a formal partnership proposal aimed at ensuring the government’s maritime goals are met with science-driven precision, Dabban, pledged the Council’s research network to support the Ministry’s framework.