The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to halting fish importation by significantly enhancing domestic production.
Speaking at a consultative meeting with fisheries cooperative groups in Abuja on Wednesday, Oyetola emphasized robust support for the fisheries and aquaculture sector through policy reforms, technical assistance, and financial inclusion.
He outlined a vision to transform aquaculture into a cornerstone of food security, job creation, and export growth, declaring Nigeria’s pursuit of self-sufficiency in fish production.
The meeting, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, convened leaders from major fisheries associations, 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 Practicing Farmers Association of Nigeria.
Oyetola announced targeted initiatives, including start-up grants and empowerment programs for women and youth, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for economic diversification.
Participants highlighted critical challenges, such as overfishing, environmental degradation, limited access to affordable finance, post-harvest losses, inadequate cold storage, poor transportation, weak market linkages, low youth participation, multiple taxation, and the high cost of imported fish feed.
Oyetola assured stakeholders that the Ministry is actively addressing these issues through local and international partnerships. He disclosed ongoing talks with the World Bank to secure funding for fish farmers and collaboration with the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) to provide affordable insurance.
Additionally, Oyetola revealed plans to replicate the successful aquaculture model at Oyan Dam nationwide, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, emphasizing integrated planning.
The Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Wellington Omoragbon, underscored the need for stronger institutional frameworks and enterprise-driven models to boost productivity and attract investment, calling the initiative a vital step toward transformative results.
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