Agriculture , Blue Economy: Strong Linkages For Food Security – Minister

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has emphasized the vital connection between agriculture and Nigeria’s blue economy, especially through aquaculture, inland fisheries, irrigated agriculture, wetland management, and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

He stated that these sectors are essential for achieving food security, environmental resilience, and inclusive economic growth.

Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Senator Kyari made these remarks while receiving participants of the Senior Executive Course 47, 2025, from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), led by Director General Prof. Ayo Omotayo, in Abuja on April 30, 2025.

He highlighted that Nigeria’s vast inland waterways and coastal zones present significant opportunities to improve nutrition, boost food production, and empower rural populations. Aquaculture, he noted, is among the fastest-growing sources of animal protein globally.

Senator Kyari described the NIPSS course theme, “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities,” as timely and relevant to the Ministry’s mission.

He stressed the importance of sustainable water resource management for irrigated agriculture and climate resilience, and called for integrating blue economy principles into agricultural policy to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to zero hunger, poverty reduction, and economic growth.

He also acknowledged challenges such as pollution, inadequate investment, and climate-related pressures, but assured that the Ministry remains open to innovation, collaboration, and dialogue to advance the sector.

Prof. Omotayo, Director General of NIPSS, commended the Ministry’s initiatives and urged Nigerians to value farmers, noting the challenges they face and the importance of everyone contributing to food production.

The event featured the presentation of the National Agricultural Policy Document and a Q&A session with the visitors