Wasiu Jimoh of the University of Ilorin has urged the government to recognise sustainable aquaculture as a strategic pillar of Nigeria’s food security agenda.


Mr Jimoh, of the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries, made the call during the university’s 306th Inaugural Lecture in Ilorin on Thursday.


The lecture was titled, ‘Green Feeds, Healthy Fish: Enhancing Aquaculture Productivity’.


He said sustainable aquaculture requires increased investment in research, innovation, human capacity development, and the commercialisation of locally developed technologies.


“Investment in aquaculture will accelerate the transition towards a resilient, environmentally sustainable, and globally competitive industry,” Mr Jimoh said.


He said such investment would create employment, reduce import dependence and contribute significantly to national economic development.


“Strategic implementation of this framework will drive fundamental transformation. Aquaculture will become a resilient, environmentally restorative, and economically strong sector,” he said.


Mr Jimoh said achieving the vision was essential for food and nutrition sovereignty, dignified employment and sustainable livelihoods for present and future generations.


He said his research focused on developing alternatives to conventional fish-feed ingredients using plant-based proteins, phytogenic additives and circular-economy principles.


“These efforts aimed to reduce dependence on fishmeal and soybean meal, optimise nutrient utilisation, enhance fish health, and improve economic sustainability for fish farmers,” he said.


The professor urged feed manufacturers, veterinary professionals, fish-health specialists and regulatory agencies to formulate, certify and promote functional aquafeeds.


He advocated routine use of aquafeeds containing probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and natural immunostimulants by fish farmers.


Mr Jimoh said the approach would strengthen disease prevention, reduce antibiotic misuse, and improve fish welfare and aquaculture productivity.

(NAN)