The National President of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FSN), Dr. Mrs. Ebinimi Joseph Ansa, has renewed the call for the establishment of a Fisheries Institute of Nigeria describing it as a critical step towards strengthening professionalism, regulation and sustainable development in the nation’s fisheries sector.
Speaking in an interview granted to The Cabal Newspaper on Friday, July 3, 2026, Dr. Ansa lamented that despite the presence of highly trained fisheries professionals across the country, Nigeria is yet to establish a statutory body responsible for certifying practitioners and enforcing professional standards within the sector.
According to her, the Fisheries Society of Nigeria has spent over two decades advocating for the creation of the institute stressing that the absence of such a regulatory body has continued to limit professional recognition and accountability in the industry.
“We have fisheries professionals just like other professionals, but we don’t have a body that certifies practitioners and ensures standards. The Fisheries Society of Nigeria has spent more than two decades advocating the establishment of a Fisheries Institute of Nigeria,” she stated.
Dr. Ansa explained that establishing the institute would enhance professionalism, promote ethical practices, improve capacity development and ensure that only qualified professionals provide technical services across Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture value chain.
The Fison President also highlighted the current realities confronting Nigeria’s fisheries sector noting that rising production costs have become a major obstacle to fish production and business sustainability.
She identified the high cost of energy and the continuous increase in fish feed prices as two of the biggest challenges affecting fish farmers across the country.
According to her, fish feed remains the largest production cost in aquaculture while the rising cost of electricity and fuel has significantly increased operational expenses for hatcheries, grow-out farms, processing facilities and cold storage operators.
Dr. Ansa warned that unless these challenges are addressed through deliberate government interventions and supportive policies, many fish farmers may be forced to scale down production a development that could negatively affect national fish output, food security, employment and investment in the fisheries sector.
She called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to accelerate reforms that would support fisheries development through improved access to affordable energy, lower production costs, stronger institutional frameworks and the establishment of the proposed Fisheries Institute of Nigeria.
Dr. Ansa reaffirmed the commitment of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria to promoting policies and initiatives that will strengthen fisheries governance, enhance professional excellence and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture industry for sustainable economic growth.
