Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. 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.
A statement dated 6th February 2026, titled “Oyetola Advocates Strategic Partnership with ARCN To Drive Fisheries Research and Innovation in Nigeria.” signed by Signed Anastasia Ogbonna, Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, made available to our correspondent, disclosed that 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 follows the previous 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.
The Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Dr. Abubakar Dabban presents the Honourable Minis ter, Marine and Blue Economy, H.E Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, hard copy of the Institute’s science driven research works alongside other formal partnership proposal to the Ministry.
However, recognizing 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, 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.
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