The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has called for stronger collaboration between government and research institutions to ensure scientific findings translate into practical benefits for Nigerians.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Fatima Mahmood, made the call while receiving a delegation from the Atlantic International Research Centre (AIR-Centre) on courtesy visit, according to a statement made available on Wednesday by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Anastasia Ogbonna in Abuja.
Mahmood stressed the need for research in the public sector to focus on delivering solutions that directly impact citizens, particularly communities that depend on marine resources for their livelihoods.
She noted that while scientific research remains vital, its true value lies in how effectively it can be applied to improve policy decisions, environmental sustainability and economic development within Nigeria’s maritime and coastal sectors.
According to her, the ministry is committed to ensuring that research outcomes are well documented and translated into actionable policies capable of driving growth in the country’s emerging blue economy.
“This is an area we are not just interested in; we are committed to it. We want to see documentation that helps us make well-informed decisions to move this sector forward,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary also welcomed AIR-Centre’s interest in collaborating with the ministry, describing partnerships with research institutions as essential to unlocking opportunities in Nigeria’s marine resources.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of AIR-Centre, Miguel Miranda, the Director of AIR-Centre Nigeria, Dr. Bolarinwa Taiwo, said the organisation was committed to advancing research, innovation and sustainable development in the marine and blue economy sector.
Taiwo said the Centre was eager to partner with the ministry in areas such as knowledge sharing, capacity building and policy support to strengthen the management of Nigeria’s marine resources.
He added that a formal partnership between the ministry and AIR-Centre would enhance technical knowledge exchange and support initiatives aimed at improving marine food safety.
AIR-Centre is an international research network that promotes multidisciplinary collaboration in ocean science, climate monitoring, earth observation and marine resource management, using satellite data and digital technologies to address environmental and economic challenges
