Oyetola Floats Scheme to End Fish Importation, Boost Local Production
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has pledged to end Nigeria’s overreliance on fish importation by significantly ramping up domestic fish production through coordinated reforms in the aquaculture and fisheries sector.
Speaking at a high-level consultative meeting held in Abuja with leaders of major fisheries cooperative groups, Oyetola revealed an ambitious plan to transform Nigeria’s aquaculture industry into a major contributor to national food security, employment creation, and foreign exchange earnings.
“We must chart a new course towards self-sufficiency in fish production. Our vision is to scale up local production, reduce dependency on imports, and reposition the sector for sustainable economic growth,” he said.
The event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, brought together key stakeholders including representatives from the Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (FCFN), Tilapia Aquaculture Developers Association of Nigeria (TADAN), Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFAN), Women in Fish Farming and Aquaculture, and the Practicing Farmers Association of Nigeria.
Oyetola assured participants that the federal government is committed to providing strong policy support, technical assistance, and access to finance to drive innovation and productivity across the fisheries value chain.
He also noted that the ministry will work closely with cooperatives to identify critical challenges, promote modern aquaculture techniques, and ensure that Nigerian fish farmers can compete both locally and internationally.
The minister’s vow signals a renewed push to cut the nation’s annual fish import bill estimated at over $1 billion and redirect resources toward building a robust marine economy capable of meeting the protein needs of Nigeria’s growing population.
Stakeholders at the meeting welcomed the minister’s declarations and called for swift implementation of support programs, including infrastructure upgrades, capacity building, access to affordable feed, and a review of import policies that threaten local producers.
