AGRICULTURE AND BLUE-ECONOMY, INEXTRICABLY LINKED TO AQUACULTURE, OTHERS..... Sen Kyari

.... Reiterates the importance of sustainable water resource management in supporting irrigated agriculture and increasing resilience to climate change, stressing that sustainable practices in coastal agriculture could help mitigate environmental degradation, boost productivity and conserve biodiversity.

Nigeria's Agricultural sector and that of the Blue-economy, are inextricably linked; particularly through aquaculture, inland fisheries, irrigated agriculture, wetland management and the livelihoods of coastal to enhance a more food-secured, environmental resilient and economic inclusive country.

This was the assertion of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, when he received in audience, participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC), 47, 2025, of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, led by its Director General, Prof. Ayo Omotayo, to his office in Abuja on Wednesday, 30 April 30, 2025.

The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, pointed out that Nigeria’s vast inland waterways, wetlands and coastal zones present significant opportunities for enhancing food security, improving nutrition, and empowering rural population economically, adding that aquaculture is one of the fastest growing sources of animal protein worldwide.

Senator Kyari noted that, based on this year’s course theme, “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities” it is timely and highly relevant to the mandate of the Ministry.

He reiterated the importance of sustainable water resource management in supporting irrigated agriculture and increasing resilience to climate change, stressing that sustainable practices in coastal agriculture could help mitigate environmental degradation, boost productivity and conserve biodiversity.

The Minister added that from the policy perspective, mainstreaming blue economy principles into Nigeria’s agricultural and rural development agenda is essential to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly those related to zero hunger, poverty reduction, economic growth amongst others.

He highlighted the challenges to include pollution, inadequate investment, and climate induced stresses that threaten the full realization of blue economy potentials.

He, therefore, assured that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security remains open to innovation, collaboration, and informed dialogue to move the sector forward.

In his remarks, the Director General, NIPSS, Prof Ayo Omotayo commended the Ministry for its laudable programmes and activities and urged Nigerians to change their narratives about “farmers “ to stop looking down on them, pointing out that farmers struggle to bring things out from the ground and don’t even benefit from what they do.

He, therefore, advised everyone to strive to produce part of what they eat in order to value farmers.

Highlight of the event was the Permanent Secretary’s presentation of the National Agricultural Policy Document and questions and answers document to the Visitors.

 This is contained in a statement issued and signed by Eremah Anthonia, Chief Information Officer on behalf of the  Director, Information of the Ministry and made available to journalists.