Aquaculture key to Food Security in Nigeria—Agric Minister
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) said the aquatic environment is of utmost importance and a pathway for food security in Nigeria.
The minister of Agriculture, Dr. Mahmood Abubakar, who was represented by Mrs. Fausat Lawal, the Director of Special Duties of FMARD, made this known yesterday at the launch of a new policy document where he said that aquaculture is the fastest growing sector that has helped to enhance fish production in the country.
His words: “Even though we were advocating for food security, we are also agitating for nutritious food. It is very important we have nutritious food.
“Right from the inception, we all know the benefits of aquatic food, most especially fish on our diet. We are advised to take as many fish as we can. And as far as I know, a lot of women are into the fishery business. It is of utmost importance to the survival of mankind and the ecosystem.”
He further elaborated that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture is working sustainably towards making agricultural products available to the average Nigerians, so as to improve nutrition and create job opportunities.
He then urged necessary stakeholders to support the initiative of protecting the aquatic environment from the effect of pollution and climate change for the benefit of the next generation.
“The new policy document which we are all here gathered today to launch aims to serve as a guide to address the many challenges that the fishery and agriculture face in a comprehensive and coordinated manner in meeting our overall goal.
“The attainment of this objective would require our collective participation at multinational, national, and subnational levels,” he submitted.
However, he stated that the ministry, as a regulator of the sector, is committed to working with all stakeholders in creating investment opportunities to improve livelihoods.
He then concluded that the recommendations outlined in the new policy document suggest that all stakeholders collaborate to develop and maintain sustainable fishing practices that would protect and enable biodiversity and ensure the long-term availability of each source.
Agro Nigeria / Foluke Ibitomi
