Science-Driven Blue Economy Key to Ending Fish Importation, Says Prof. Akegbejo-Samsons

Professor Yemi Akegbejo-Samsons, a distinguished expert in Aquaculture and Coastal Fisheries Management at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has called for a radical shift in Nigeria’s maritime strategy.

Delivering the 2nd COLERM Leadership Lecture, titled “Nigeria’s Blue Economy: Beyond Marine Transportation, Oil and Gas,” the scholar argued that the nation’s aquatic resources are the primary solution to food insecurity and the high cost of fish importation.

Reframing the Blue Economy as more than just shipping and petroleum, Prof. Akegbejo-Samsons described it as a holistic framework for economic resilience. While acknowledging the 2023 establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, he critiqued the current lack of a strong scientific grounding in policy decisions.

“Universities must lead in manpower development, technology innovation, and evidence-based policy advisory,” he stated, positioning FUNAAB as a strategic hub for this transformation.

The Professor identified the Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE) as a critical platform for driving the innovation needed to replace political rhetoric with science-driven action. Key recommendations included:

Data-Driven Policy: Grounding maritime decisions in rigorous research and long-term sustainability.

Economic Diversification: Shifting focus to sustainable aquaculture to generate mass employment.

Institutional Synergy: Strengthening the link between academic expertise and political will.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Babatunde Kehinde, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olusegun Idowu, reaffirmed the University’s mission to translate research into national solutions. He urged scholars to ensure their work influences public policy rather than ending at academic publication.

The Dean of the College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM), Prof. Olusegun Oguntoke, noted that the lecture reinforces the university’s leadership in climate resilience and resource governance. The event drew notable academics, including Prof. Adeniyi Olayanju and Prof. Kola Adebayo, signaling a united front for sustainable aquatic management.