The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending Nigeria’s dependence on imported fish by prioritising investments in aquaculture, fisheries development, and marine sustainability.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ interactive seminar on seafood trade, pledging that the administration is determined to make Nigeria’s fish importation a thing of the past.
Oyetola, represented by the Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Dr. Wellington Omoragbon, said the Ministry recognises the seafood trade as not only an important economic driver but also a crucial source of protein and industrial linkages.
He noted that the government’s strategy focuses on self-sufficiency through improved local production, modern technology adoption, and strengthened regulatory frameworks.
Nigeria’s fish importation and the quest for self-sufficiency
According to the minister, while Nigeria’s fish importation currently fills a critical gap in domestic consumption, the government’s long-term vision is to achieve self-sufficiency through sustainable expansion of aquaculture and effective marine fisheries management.
“Our focus is to increase domestic fish production by encouraging private sector investment, enhancing aquaculture capacity, and improving marine infrastructure,” Oyetola stated.
“We are also strengthening regulatory compliance, ensuring fish consumed or sold in Nigeria meets international food safety standards.”
He revealed that new policies such as the Marine and Blue Economy Policy, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, and the Marine and Blue Economy Strategy and Implementation Plan are already being implemented to ensure responsible management of fisheries resources.
These frameworks aim to create a sustainable seafood ecosystem that boosts job creation, food security, and export competitiveness.
Key initiatives to reduce Nigeria’s fish importation
To curb Nigeria’s fish importation, Oyetola explained that several initiatives are underway to build the nation’s capacity for fish production and processing.
The Ministry, he said, is establishing a National Fish Terminal to serve as a hub for fish landing, cold storage, and distribution.
This infrastructure will help reduce post-harvest losses and maintain quality assurance across the value chain.
He added that the Ministry is also developing a National Residue Monitoring Laboratory to ensure continuous food safety monitoring for aquaculture exports in line with international standards.
“By digitising our fisheries management systems and promoting innovation through partnerships with global institutions such as the World Bank, we are ensuring that Nigeria’s seafood sector aligns with international best practices,” he said.
Oyetola also stressed that strengthening Nigeria’s cold chain systems, improving access to feed and hatcheries, and facilitating financing for fish farmers remain critical components of the government’s strategy to phase out fish importation over time.
Partnerships for a sustainable Blue Economy
The Minister acknowledged that the success of the government’s plan to reduce Nigeria’s fish importation depends on strong partnerships between the public and private sectors.
“Government alone cannot achieve this transformation,” he noted.
“Stakeholders must continue to cooperate with regulatory agencies, comply with standards, and support ongoing policy reforms.
Only through collaboration can we build a sustainable, competitive, and inclusive seafood industry that provides jobs and contributes to the national GDP.”
Oyetola affirmed that the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is also streamlining import and export procedures through digital platforms like the National Single Window System to eliminate bottlenecks and improve regulatory coordination among agencies such as NAFDAC, SON, and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Norway urges tariff relief for stockfish imports
Meanwhile, the Royal Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Svien Baera, called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to consider zero import duty on stockfish and stockfish heads to make them more affordable for Nigerian consumers.
Speaking at the seminar organised by the Norwegian Seafood Council in Lagos, Baera highlighted that Nigeria remains one of the largest importers of Norwegian stockfish globally.
He said that while the bilateral trade relationship has spanned decades, recent reductions in cod quotas have led to higher global prices, affecting both producers and consumers.
“As part of our shared commitment to sustainable fisheries, we appeal for zero import duty on stockfish heads to sustain accessibility and affordability,” Baera stated.
Supporting local fish farmers and promoting exports
The Director for Africa at the Norwegian Seafood Council, Johnny Haaberg, and the organisation’s fisheries consultant, Ms. Abiodun Oritsjemine Cheke, also backed the call for tariff relief while pledging support for capacity building among local fish farmers.
Ms. Cheke noted that Norway plans to train more Nigerian fish farmers and fisheries officers in documentation, sustainability, and export compliance.
She emphasised that improving standards and certification could open international markets to Nigerian seafood products, helping to reduce dependence on imports.
She added, “We intend to complement previous training with more capacity-building initiatives to help Nigerian fish farmers meet international trade standards. Stockfish, especially the heads, remain one of the cheapest protein sources in Nigeria, and making them duty-free will benefit millions.”
Toward a self-sufficient marine economy
Oyetola reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s seafood sector into a major pillar of the Blue Economy.
By expanding aquaculture, improving local production, and leveraging private sector participation, he said Nigeria can end fish importation while strengthening national food security.
“Our collective goal is to create a sustainable seafood value chain that supports livelihoods, ensures food security, and contributes significantly to the nation’s economy,” he said.
“Working together, we can transform Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture industry into a globally competitive enterprise.”
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