UI Don Advocates Multi-Pronged Strategy to Strengthen Seafood Safety in Nigeria

A Professor of Veterinary Public Health at the University of Ibadan, Professor Olufemi Bolarinwa Adedeji, has called for a multi-pronged and collaborative approach to improving seafood safety in Nigeria.

He made the call while delivering the 598th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ibadan, held on behalf of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. The lecture was titled “Navigating the Waters of Veterinary Public Health: Advancements in Aquatic Health, Epidemiology, and Seafood Safety for a Resilient Future.”

Professor Adedeji emphasized that seafood safety is a fundamental pillar of public health and must be addressed through an integrated framework that combines food safety, environmental protection, and strong regulatory oversight.

He explained that aquatic health and seafood safety are interlinked, noting that contamination from bacteria, heavy metals, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and drug residues poses significant risks to human health.

According to him, improving aquaculture practices is essential to achieving seafood safety, environmental sustainability, and overall public health protection. He added that the foundation of a robust seafood safety system lies in effective monitoring and surveillance capable of detecting contaminants early and preventing widespread exposure.

To achieve this, Professor Adedeji recommended the establishment of well-equipped regional seafood safety laboratories for the early detection of hazards. Such facilities, he said, would enhance evidence-based decision-making, regulatory enforcement, and public advisories through routine testing for heavy metals and other contaminants.

He also stressed the importance of stakeholder education, urging the launch of nationwide public awareness campaigns to enlighten fish farmers, processors, distributors, and consumers on best practices in seafood hygiene, handling, and storage.

The Veterinary Public Health expert further called for stronger regulatory frameworks and more rigorous enforcement. While acknowledging existing food and environmental safety policies in Nigeria, he observed that weak implementation has limited their effectiveness.

He therefore urged the government to update seafood safety standards in line with international benchmarks, enhance inter-agency coordination, and impose stricter penalties on offenders to ensure compliance.

Professor Adedeji also underscored the need for international cooperation and policy alignment. He encouraged the Federal Government to partner with global organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) to gain access to technical support, funding, and training.

He noted that such collaborations would ensure Nigeria’s seafood safety systems align with the Codex Alimentarius Guidelines and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thereby promoting safer food production and a healthier population.