Nigeria is partnering with world-renowned fisheries economist Professor Rashid Sumaila to tackle challenges in food supply, marine sustainability, and fish production across the Gulf of Guinea.
Professor Sumaila, an expert in Ocean and Fisheries Economics at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada, visited Lagos for a progress review with Nigerian researchers on sustainable fisheries and food systems.
The meeting was part of the ongoing Solving Sustainability Challenges of the Food, Climate and Biodiversity Nexus (Solving-FCB) Project, which brings together academics, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to strengthen Nigeria's blue economy and food security frameworks.
Speaking during the session, Professor Shehu Latunji of Lagos State University (LASU), one of the Nigerian co-investigators, said the visit focused on evaluating postgraduate research efforts from LASU and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) aimed at improving marine resource management and community livelihoods.
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Professor Sumaila commended the Nigerian scholars and highlighted the project's goal — to develop strategies that ensure sustainable fish production without depleting the ocean's resources amid climate change.
"The aim is to feed millions of Nigerians with fish while preserving the marine ecosystem for future generations," he said.
He explained that the initiative also promotes capacity building by engaging journalists, scientists, government agencies, and NGOs to exchange ideas that support sustainable fisheries practices and economic inclusion in the maritime sector.
The six-year Solving-FCB Project, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada, began in 2022 under the leadership of UBC's Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries (IOF).
Participants included representatives from WorldFish Nigeria, the World Aquaculture Society, and the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography, alongside students and collaborators who joined virtually.
The session concluded with the presentation of a signed portrait to Professor Sumaila in appreciation of his contribution to Nigeria's marine sustainability drive.
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