The Federal Government has announced plans to stop fish importation in Nigeria by increasing local production and supporting youth and women in the fisheries sector. Speaking at a consultative meeting with fisheries cooperative groups in Abuja, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, said the government is determined to make aquaculture a major contributor to food security, job creation, and export growth.
Oyetola stated that Nigeria must find a new direction toward self-sufficiency in fish production. He assured stakeholders of government support through policy development, technical assistance, and financial access. The minister explained that empowering young Nigerians to participate in aquaculture would help tackle unemployment and grow the economy.
He confirmed that discussions were ongoing with international partners, including the World Bank, to secure funding for fish farmers. The ministry is also working with the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation to provide affordable insurance for those in the sector.
Additionally, Oyetola said plans were underway with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to expand the successful aquaculture model at the Oyan Dam to other parts of the country. He described the meeting as the start of a long-term collaborative approach to transform the sector through joint planning and cooperation across ministries.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, said they are ready to partner with cooperative societies to support inclusive sector growth.
Meanwhile, Mr Mashi Sani, President of the Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria, proposed a Sustainable Livelihoods and Fish Food Security Initiative (SLESI). The initiative would cost ₦75 billion over three years, aiming to create one million sustainable jobs, cut post-harvest losses by half, and increase fish production by 35 percent.
Sani emphasized the importance of the fisheries sector in providing food, income, and nutrition, especially for rural communities. He noted the industry still faces major problems such as overfishing, poor infrastructure, limited finance, and weak technical support. He urged the government to adopt and fund SLESI, improve transport systems, strengthen market access, and boost extension services to drive long-term growth in the blue economy.
