The Federal Government has restated its resolve to end Nigeria’s dependence on fish imports by boosting local fish production.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this during a high-level consultative meeting with fisheries cooperatives in Abuja. He detailed plans to develop the aquaculture sector into a key driver of food security, employment, and export growth.
“Nigeria must pursue self-sufficiency in fish production,” Oyetola stated, adding that the government will provide policy, technical, and financial support to the sector.
He said efforts are underway to empower women and youth through start-up grants and other initiatives, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Engaging young people in aquaculture is key to tackling unemployment and enhancing food security,” he added.
Stakeholders at the meeting raised critical issues affecting the sector, including overfishing, environmental degradation, poor cold storage, post-harvest losses, rising feed costs, multiple taxation, and limited access to finance.
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In response, the Minister assured that discussions with the World Bank and Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) are ongoing to secure funding and affordable insurance for fish farmers. He also announced plans to replicate the successful Oyan Dam aquaculture model nationwide.
“This dialogue marks the start of a broader effort to reposition the fisheries sector for sustainable growth,” he said.
Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Mr Wellington Omoragbon, also stressed the need for stronger institutional frameworks and enterprise-driven models to attract investment.
The meeting brought together key associations including the Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (FCFN), TADAN, CAFAN, Women in Fish Farming and Aquaculture, and the Practising Farmers Association of Nigeria.
