Àyo Oyoze Baje
The recent, epoch- making and eye-opening 10th edition of the Inaugural Lecture of Bells University of Technology, Ota, as brilliantly delivered by erudite Prof. John Abiodun Daramola, Head of the Department of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology of the University, made a desired difference, specifically in intellectual engagement. Titled: “From Water to Table: Securing Safe and Wholesome Fish for Public Health,” it touched tellingly on the critical issues of the post – harvest quality of fish, sustainable aquaculture and, of course, the spin-off effects on food security. As a leading expert in Fish Post-Harvest Quality and Utilisation, in his insightful Lecture, he beams a bright light on the sector’s vital role in both the global and local economies, as it narrows it down to the significant impact of the fisheries sector on the economy. On the role played with regard to Food Security and Public Health, it reminds us that fisheries serve as a primary source of high-quality animal protein, micronutrients, and polyunsaturated fats for billions of consumers globally. Having access to safe and wholesome fish is therefore vital for preventing post-harvest losses and meeting nutritional needs.
When it comes to Economic Livelihood and Employment, the fishery sub-sector of the economy supports the livelihoods of millions of artisanal fishers, processors, and marketers worldwide.
In fact, it is considered a major avenue for economic empowerment, particularly in coastal and riverine communities. So, it serves as a critical tool for reducing youth underemployment and the attendant restiveness
As for Global Trade and Wealth Generation, fish and fishery products are rated among the most widely traded agricultural commodities globally, thereby contributing significantly to international trade revenues, GDP growth, and foreign exchange for developing economies.
On the Challenges facing the Sector, Daramola explains that despite its massive global potential, the industry still battles some challenges. These include untimely funding of fisheries projects and agricultural research, as well as inadequate and unreliable data for accurate planning and policymaking. Not left out are the high costs and scarcity of modern fishing and aquaculture inputs.
As a practicable way forward, the expert on the fish industry advocates for strategic government interventions, as well as increased technological investment. Also of significance is the strengthening of food safety and post-harvest preservation practices. That is with the noble aim of maximising the contributions of fisheries to the global and national economies. He focuses on the nutritional benefits of fish to the consumers; he emphasises that fish is an invaluable superfood central to public health and sustainable food security.
Fish provides an excellent, low-fat source of high biological value protein that helps control appetite and build lean muscle. With heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, fish is a veritable source of vital polyunsaturated fatty acids—like EPA and DHA. These are proven to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and reduce inflammation.
Fish is rich in Vitamins as it supplies essential vitamins like Vitamin D (vital for bone health) and B2 (Riboflavin).Essential Minerals: Fish provides your body with crucial minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, potassium, and iodine (which prevents goitre).
Going by the contribution of the fish industry to the global economy the fisheries and aquaculture sectors contribute over $274 billion to the global GDP and generate hundreds of billions in direct revenue from capture fisheries and aquaculture production.
The industry provides primary protein for over 3 billion people and supports livelihoods for more than 100 million individuals along its extensive value chain.
With regards to the Economic and Trade Value Global Output, the sector produces approximately 178 million tonnes of aquatic animals annually. Capture fisheries (wild catch) and aquaculture (farmed fish) generate a combined economic value exceeding $400 billion per year.
On Export Dominance, fish and fishery products are among the most heavily traded food commodities worldwide. Developing nations rely heavily on this export market to secure essential foreign exchange, with nations like India generating over $8 billion annually from marine exports alone.
As for Employment and Livelihoods, Direct and Indirect Jobs: The industry sustains the livelihoods of over 55 million people worldwide, directly employed in fishing and aquaculture. When accounting for processing, distribution, and retail, the sector supports the livelihoods of 10–12% of the global population.
Fishery and the Small-Scale Operations: Small-scale fisheries represent about 40% of the total global catch while generating nearly 45% of its economic value. They are critical for sustaining regional livelihoods, particularly across Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
A look at the Food Security shows that fishery products provide over 20% of the average per capita animal protein intake for more than 3 billion people globally.
Specifics on Nutritional Security: In many low-income food-deficit countries, fish provides nearly a quarter of all animal-sourced protein, making the sector foundational to preventing malnutrition in vulnerable coastal and inland communities.
Broader Ocean Economy Integration: Blue Economy: Fisheries and aquaculture are cornerstones of the broader “Blue Economy,” an ocean-based economic sector that adds over $2.6 trillion annually to the global economy.Downstream Industries: The massive output of seafood drives significant subsidiary industries, including modern cold-storage logistics, Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) manufacturing, and value-added seafood processing.Note: For the most current operational
All said, the lecture urged the Nigerian government to tackle fisheries challenges to achieve sustainable food security.
The vital need to strengthen the fisheries and aquaculture sector, improve post-harvest handling, and provide safe, high-quality fish for public health and national food security
The Key Call to Action is that
Prof. Daramola appealed to the government to actively address the underlying issues hindering domestic fish production to protect consumers and support economic stability.
It is, therefore, up to our policy makers and those who implement them through the Ministries of Agriculture as well as that of Science and Technology to give a listening ear to Prof. Daramola’s clarion call on the fishing industry and the big role it plays in nutrition and food security while contributing to economic growth.
