The National Fish Association of Nigeria (NFAN) says the country’s fish farmers are producing less than a quarter of the fish Nigerians consume, leaving the nation heavily dependent on imports.

The association’s President, Ladan Aliyu, made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja at the inauguration of the association’s newly elected executive committee. He said Nigeria’s domestic production falls far short of national demand, and that imports cover only part of the shortfall.

“As fish farmers, we are currently producing less of the fish needed for consumption. Nigeria consumes about 300,000 metric tonnes of fish. Yes, that’s what we require. But for now, we are not producing even one quarter of it. And the importation brings in half of that quarter,” Aliyu said.

He said the situation showed the need to strengthen local fish farming rather than rely on imports to meet the country’s protein needs. According to him, fish farmers must organise into sustainable cooperative societies, which would make it easier to train members, access production inputs and engage the government on policies that could boost output.

Aliyu also defended fish as an affordable source of protein compared with other animal-based foods. He acknowledged, however, that the fall in the value of the naira has pushed up the cost of imported varieties. He explained that importers must source foreign currency to buy fish abroad, and that the cost is passed on to consumers. Locally farmed fish, he said, could be cheaper than imported alternatives.

The Deputy President of NFAN, Adewale Adewu, also blamed rising fish prices partly on global market conditions and Nigeria’s reliance on imported supplies. Pointing to Titus, a widely consumed imported fish, he said prices were rising not only in Nigeria but around the world.

Speaking on behalf of the Director of the Commodities and Export Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs Felicia Udeh congratulated the association on its July 29, 2026 election and described the new executive as an opportunity to strengthen the body. She urged the leadership to promote unity, transparency, accountability and inclusiveness, and warned against divisions that could lead to disputes and litigation. She added that the government was willing to support the association through policies within its mandate, but stressed that the body must not be controlled by a few individuals.

The association’s inauguration address also called for unity and professionalism among members, with the leadership urging stakeholders to embrace the principle of “one fish, one voice” to improve livelihoods and contribute to food security.