The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has called for strengthened collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) to drive sustainable growth in the nation’s aquatic sector.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, made the call in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, during a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of ARCN, 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 ARCN to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
This realignment follows the earlier transfer of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to the Ministry.
Oyetola noted that while the Ministry 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.
“ARCN’s expertise remains vital. We seek a seamless link between research, policy, and industry application to ensure food security and sustainable resource management,” he stated.
In response, the Executive Secretary of ARCN, Dr Abubakar Dabban, lauded the creation of the Ministry as a visionary step towards economic diversification.
He emphasised 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.