The National President of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria (FISON), Dr. Mrs. Ebinimi Joseph Ansa, Ffs, has highlighted the activities, achievements, partnerships and membership strength of the Society during an appearance on the Presidency This Week programme on NTA 2 Lagos, Saturday September 26th, 2026.
Dr. Ansa used the television programme to showcase the contributions of FISON to the development of fisheries and aquaculture in Nigeria, stressing the importance of professional collaboration, research, innovation and greater participation of practitioners in the sector.
She also highlighted the significance of FISON’s 50-year history, noting that the Society has played an important role in advancing fisheries knowledge, professional development and stakeholder engagement in Nigeria.
As part of activities marking the 50th anniversary, FISON will hold its Annual Conference and General Meeting from October 26th to 31st 2026, at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State.
The 41st FISON Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting is expected to bring together fisheries and aquaculture professionals, researchers, policymakers, farmers, industry stakeholders and other practitioners. Preparations for the conference have already commenced at FUNAAB.
According to Dr. Ansa, the anniversary conference will feature paper presentations, plenary sessions, investiture and Fellowship awards, as well as panel discussions examining FISON’s achievements and contributions to the fisheries and aquaculture sector over the past 50 years.
She further explained that FISON has continued to strengthen collaborations with key national, regional and international institutions, including the National Institute for Freshwater Fisheries Research (NIFFR), Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, National Universities Commission (NUC), National Committee on Oceans and Waterways, ECOWAS, WorldFish and FAO/FISH4ACP, among others.
Dr. Ansa stressed the need for greater diversification within Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture industry, describing diversification as an important component of sustainable sector development.
She pointed to both shellfish and finfish as areas with opportunities for expansion within aquaculture, urging stakeholders to explore a wider range of aquatic species and production systems.
The FISON President also advocated stronger involvement of fisheries experts, fish farmers, feed millers and other practitioners in policymaking, research, technology development and implementation of programmes designed to advance the sector.
She noted that closer collaboration between professionals, researchers, government institutions and private-sector operators would help bridge gaps between research and practical fish production while supporting innovation and improved productivity.
Dr. Ansa has previously advocated stronger professional structures for Nigeria’s fisheries sector, including the establishment of a Fisheries Institute of Nigeria to promote professional standards and accountability.
In her concluding remarks, the FISON President expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, for what she described as their contributions to the development of Nigeria’s fisheries and blue economy sector.
She reaffirmed FISON’s commitment to working with government, research institutions, academia, development partners, fish farmers and other stakeholders towards sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development in Nigeria.
The October conference at FUNAAB is therefore expected to provide an important platform for FISON members and stakeholders to reflect on the Society’s five decades of professional service, assess the progress made and discuss strategies for the future of Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture industry.
