Professor Wasiu Adeyemi Jimoh has called for the adoption of sustainable aquafeeds, functional nutrition and supportive policy reforms to improve productivity, fish health and the economic sustainability of Nigeria’s aquaculture sector.
Prof. Jimoh made the call while delivering the 306th University of Ilorin inaugural lecture titled “Green Feeds, Healthy Fish: Enhancing Aquaculture Productivity” on Thursday, 3rd of September, 2026.
In his lecture, he highlighted the crucial role of sustainable and innovative feeding strategies in improving aquaculture productivity, noting that his research has focused on developing viable alternatives to conventional fish-feed ingredients.
He said his research integrated plant-based protein sources, phytogenic additives and circular-economy principles to reduce dependence on fishmeal and soybean meal, optimise nutrient utilisation, enhance fish health and improve economic sustainability for fish farmers.
According to him, the use of microalgae, prebiotics and natural plant-based additives such as fenugreek, coriander and cinnamon has shown significant potential in improving fish metabolism, disease resistance and gut health.
Prof. Jimoh also highlighted the importance of circular-economy practices in aquafeed production, noting that the utilisation of fish-processing by-products, including viscera meal, could strengthen both the economic and environmental sustainability of aquaculture.
He explained that studies on consumer behaviour had also provided useful insights into market preferences, stressing the need to align fish production and processing techniques with consumer demands.
He noted that addressing anti-nutritional factors and scaling up sustainable feed formulations would require continuous research, industry collaboration and stronger partnerships among stakeholders.
Looking ahead, he called for further investment and collaboration in feed technology, policy advocacy for sustainable aquafeed development and partnerships that would facilitate the widespread adoption of innovative feeding solutions.
Prof. Jimoh outlined four key pillars for transforming the aquaculture sector.
They include re-engineering aquafeeds for a post-fishmeal era; proactive health management through functional nutrition; creating an enabling environment through policy, capacity building and market development; and institutionalising collaboration for sustainable innovation.
He urged the Federal and State Governments to support these pillars through appropriate policies, capacity development and market interventions, stressing that coordinated efforts would be essential to building a more productive, healthy and sustainable aquaculture industry.
