This
was disclosed by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, in his keynote
address delivered at the ‘2 Day Stakeholders Workshop on the WorldFish Nigeria
Research Programme’ ongoing in Abuja.
The
minister said it was a welcomed development in the aquaculture and fishery
industry, which international donors, government officials, regional directors
and national research organizations meet to deliberate on steps towards the
establishment of WorldFish Nigeria Research Programme. He also expressed
optimism that the programme would bring about positive results in developing
the country’s indigenous culturable fish species.
He
said: “Nigeria as you know is a large fish consuming
nation and a net importer of fish and fisheries products. The Federal Ministry
of Agriculture and Rural Development have directed all fish importers to go
into backward integration through commercial aquaculture (pond and cage
culture).
“Some of the companies which have compiled have been duly certified
and can now export their fish and fishery products including shrimps to the
international market. In addition, Letters of Assurance are given to investors
that intend to go into deep sea fisheries exploitation for tuna and other
highly valued fish for export.”
Meanwhile,
the Minister promised that support needed by the WorldFish Nigeria Research
Programme due to the significance of the programme and its benefits to
Nigerians. However, he expressed worry following the huge fish supply deficit
of 2.1 million metric tonnes.
“Currently, annually our national demand is in excess of 3.2 million
metric tonnes while the production is about 1.1 million metric tonnes from all
sources resulting in a demand-supply gap of about 2.1 million metric tonnes. The
vision of the present administration is to grow Nigeria’s aquaculture subsector
including fisheries and aquaculture to achieve a hunger-free nation through
aquaculture that drives income, growth, accelerate achievement of food and
nutrition security, generate employment and create wealth for millions of practitioners
in the industry,” he
said.
In his
earlier remarks, Director, International Partnership, WorldFish, David Shearer, said the organization
gives priority to delivering aquaculture and fisheries solution. “WorldFish is a global organization with head office in
Malaysia. The vision is to be partnership of choice; delivering aquaculture and
fisheries solution, delivering focus outcome. The nutrition delivering agenda
is important in Africa. We do ensure fish on the table and also for policy
investment direction.
“Fish is significantly recognized globally. 800 million people depend
on fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihood. It got a positive
contribution it can make in terms of nutrition and food security. Fish is a
very important part of nutritional security from micronutrient point of food,” he stated.
Also
speaking was the Country Director, Egypt and Nigeria, WorldFish, Dr. Harrison Karisa, said the programme
will bring the expected change in the aquaculture and fisheries industry in
Nigeria.
“The workshop is expected to develop a roadmap for the establishment
of the WroldFish Nigeria Country research programme and set up the research
agenda for the intervening period. The worskshop will review the ongoing
activities and align them with the broader WorldFish strategy and Fish CRP.
“The development of the research programme in Nigeria by WorldFish
is geared towards fostering strong partnerships and developing and appropriate
level of engagement through establishment of offices, having appropriate staff
presence, and determination of an appropriate research agenda.
“Africa lacks behind the world in fish consumption, consuming about
10kg per person per year. Africa will need to double its fish production from
both fisheries and aquaculture by 2030 to cater for present consumption levels,”
he said. (Vanguard)
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