The Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON) has scheduled a virtual Congress for Wednesday, August 26th, 2026, as the Society moves to deliberate on key issues ahead of its forthcoming leadership election.
The virtual meeting, scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Nigerian time, is expected to provide members and Fellows of the Society with an opportunity to consider important matters concerning the future leadership structure and governance of FISON.
In a press release by the National President dated August 24th, 2026, FISON National President, Dr. Ebinimi J. Ansa, Ffs, disclosed that the National Executive Council (NEC) had proposed the creation of two additional Vice President positions as part of efforts to strengthen inclusivity, representation and effectiveness within the Society.
The two proposed positions are Vice President Policy and Governance and Vice President Small-Scale Fisheries.
According to FISON, the proposed Vice President Policy and Governance would provide focused leadership on policy advocacy, legislative engagement, institutional strengthening, regulatory matters, governance reforms and strategic engagement with government and other stakeholders.
The proposed Vice President Small-Scale Fisheries would provide dedicated representation for Nigeria’s small-scale fisheries subsector including artisanal fishers, fishing communities, women, youth, processors, traders and other actors whose livelihoods depend significantly on fisheries resources.
The Society explained that small-scale fisheries remain important to food security, employment, livelihoods and local economic development across Nigeria, making stronger representation within the professional leadership structure necessary.
FISON is also proposing a rotational arrangement for its six Vice President positions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to promote equitable representation and broader participation in the Society’s leadership.
Under the proposed arrangement, the six positions would include Vice President Fisheries Institute of Nigeria and Linkages; Vice President Aquaculture; Vice President Research and Training; Vice Presidentt Industries; Vice President Policy and Governance; and Vice President Small-Scale Fisheries.
The positions would be rotated among the North Central, North East, North West, South East, South South and South West geopolitical zones.
The National Executive Council stressed that the proposed reforms are being presented for consultation and collective consideration with members and Fellows expected to deliberate on the proposals during the virtual Congress.
FISON urged all members and Fellows to participate actively in the August 26th meeting describing broad participation and constructive dialogue as essential to building a stronger, more inclusive and effective professional society.
The proposed reforms, if favourably considered, are expected to strengthen FISON’s leadership, advocacy and responsiveness to emerging priorities in Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
