Renewed Hope: Oyetola, Utsev Partner to Boost Food Security, Fish Production, Strengthen Blue Economy

In a move aimed at boosting food security for improve livelihoods and economic development, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, have pledged to collaborate to increase fish production by leveraging Nigeria’s vast water resources.

This strategic partnership between the two ministries underscores the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for food security, economic diversification, and job creation.

This inter-ministerial collaboration is expected to help improve the country’s agricultural sector, reduce the country’s dependence on fish imports, and expand opportunities in the blue economy sector.

At the meeting, which held recently, Oyetola emphasised that leveraging the country’s vast water resources, with a coastline stretching approximately 870 km and nearly 3,000 km of inland waterways, will further ensure sustainable food production and economic growth.

The Minister also noted the role of the ministry in driving sustainable water management for healthy ecosystems and pollution prevention, while calling for more public and private sector collaboration to harness Nigeria’s blue economy for sustainable national development.

Oyetola stated that the initiative was “a direct response to President Tinubu’s call for innovative strategies to enhance food production, create jobs, and unlock the full potential of our blue economy. Our Ministry is fully committed to working with the Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to deliver on this vision.” The Minister has continuously emphasised the central role of fisheries and Aquaculture is central to the Ministry’s vision to grow Nigeria’s blue economy sector, including its strategic focus is to upscale fish production in a sustainable manner, tapping into the full spectrum of the country’s marine resources.

With this collaboration, the federal government aims to replicate the Oyan Dam Cage Culture Model nationwide, following its approval by the National Council on Water Resources and Sanitation. Large dam reservoirs such as Gurara, Kashimbilla, Shagari, Dadinkowa, Tiga, Ikere Gorge, and others have been identified for aquaculture expansion.

To drive the implementation, Oyetola proposed the creation of a Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) to conduct feasibility studies, define technical requirements, and oversee project planning. He also hinted at an official visit to Oyan Dam to assess best practices involved in cage culture aquaculture and ensure seamless nationwide adoption.

Acknowledging the critical role the Federal Ministry of Water Re- sources and Sanitation plays in sustainable water management, Oyetola emphasized that this strategic inter-ministerial collaboration was vital for Nigeria’s economic diversification and addressing food insecurity.