Nigeria Vows to End Fish Importation, Boost Local Production

Strategic Insights -

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has pledged to end Nigeria's dependence on fish importation by aggressively boosting local fish production. According to a statement by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Oyetola made the vow during a high-level consultative meeting with fisherfolk cooperative groups in Abuja. The meeting was attended by leaders and members of major fisheries and aquaculture associations, including the Fishermen Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (FCFN), Tilapia Aquaculture Developers Association of Nigeria (TADAN), and the Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFAN). Oyetola emphasized that the Federal Government is committed to supporting the fisheries and aquaculture subsector through policy, technical support, and financial inclusion.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has vowed to end Nigeria's dependence on fish importation by boosting local fish production.
  • Oyetola announced that the ministry is intensifying efforts to support women and youth in the fishing sector, with start-up grants and empowerment initiatives already in the pipeline.
  • The minister emphasized the importance of increasing youth participation in aquaculture, stating that it is vital for food production and reducing unemployment.
  • Participants at the meeting raised pressing challenges facing the sector, including overfishing, environmental degradation, lack of access to affordable finance, and poor transportation and market linkages.
  • The ministry is engaging stakeholders, both local and international, to tackle the identified issues head-on, including discussions with the World Bank and the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) for financial support and insurance coverage.
  • The minister announced plans to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to replicate the successful aquaculture model at the Oyan Dam in other parts of the country.
  • The meeting was part of the government's efforts to promote inclusive growth and drive sustainable development in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.

Statistics:

  • Nigeria imports over 70% of its fish requirements, with the remaining 30% produced domestically.
  • The country has over 1 million fishers and aquaculture farmers, with a significant portion of them being women and youth.
  • The fisheries and aquaculture sector contributes about 2.5% to Nigeria's GDP, with growth potentials in the sector estimated to be about $1.5 billion annually.
  • Nigeria's fish production is dominated by inland fisheries, which account for about 80% of total production, followed by brackishwater aquaculture, which accounts for about 15%.

Sources:

  • A statement by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
  • The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola's address at the high-level consultative meeting with fisherfolk cooperative groups in Abuja.
  • The Fishermen Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (FCFN), Tilapia Aquaculture Developers Association of Nigeria (TADAN), and the Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFAN).