Prof. Sonnie Oniye, Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), says Nigeria spends about $1.7 billion annually on the importation of fish and livestock products.
Oniye, a Professor of Fisheries and Hydrobiology at the university’s Department of Biological Sciences, said this during the public presentation of a book in Zaria.
Daily Trust reports that the book titled `Trends in Fisheries and Livestock Research and Extension in Nigeria: Food and Nutrition Challenges’ was in honor of Prof. Paul Bolorunduro’s’ retirement from service.
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Oniye, who was the book reviewer at the event, said the figure includes about $1.2 billion spent on fish and fisheries products and more than 500 million dollars on beef imports.
He described the trend as wasteful, considering Nigeria’s vast natural endowments.
“We have the land, waterways, ponds, rivers, lakes, lagoons and the ocean. Yet we still import this quantum of fish for consumption.
“This shows that we are not doing things correctly in terms of fish and livestock production,” Oniye said.
The don acknowledged federal government efforts to support the sector but described them as inadequate.
Earlier, Prof. Yusuf Sani, Executive Director, National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, commended staff and associates of the institute for honouring Prof. Bolorunduro with a book launch.
Sani, represented by Prof. Jamil Abdullahi, said the publication was in recognition of Bolorunduro’s contributions to fisheries and livestock development during his years of service at NAERLS before his voluntary retirement earlier this year.
He explained that the gathering was not only to celebrate Bolorunduro’s career but also to formally launch the book put together by his mentees and colleagues.
In his remarks, Prof. Bolorunduro expressed his happiness and delight at the honor bestowed on him upon his retirement.
While presenting a paper titled “Reflection on My Career Journey”, Bolorunduro said Nigeria’s agricultural sector was at a crossroads, its future direction would be determined by how Nigeria capitalizes on its immense potential to overcome prevailing challenges.