The Federal Government has disclosed fresh plans to halt fish importation in Nigeria by ramping up local production through sweeping reforms in the aquaculture and fisheries sector.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this known during a strategic engagement with stakeholders from the fisheries cooperative groups on Thursday in Abuja.
Speaking at the meeting, Oyetola stated that the current trajectory of heavy reliance on foreign fish imports was unsustainable and must be urgently reversed through strategic investments and policy reforms.
“Nigeria must chart a new course towards self-sufficiency in fish production,” the Minister declared.
Naijaonpoint understands that the meeting was attended by leaders of major groups including 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 Practising Farmers Association of Nigeria.
Oyetola, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, said the Tinubu-led administration was determined to reposition the marine and blue economy sector as a pillar of food security, job creation, and export expansion.
“We will scale up domestic fish production, reduce dependency on imports, and reposition the sector for sustainable growth,” he assured.
Oyetola further emphasised the government’s readiness to provide policy backing, technical training, and financial support to fish farmers and cooperatives nationwide.
The Minister also announced plans to empower women and youth through access to start-up grants and capacity development, describing the initiative as key to expanding the workforce in the fish value chain.
“Increasing youth participation in aquaculture is not only vital for food production but also a strategic solution to reducing unemployment. We are committed to ensuring that young people and women are not left behind in this transformation,” Oyetola said.
Also speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, said the session was a direct follow-up to the second-quarter Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement Forum held in Lagos on July 3.
Oloruntola reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to forging strong alliances with grassroots cooperatives to drive inclusive and sustainable development in the fisheries sector.
“We are ready to build lasting partnerships with cooperative societies across the country to ensure no one is left behind as we grow this vital subsector,” he said.
The Ministry’s latest move comes amid renewed efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy and promote non-oil exports through the blue economy.