The Federal Government has declared its commitment to ending Nigeria’s dependence on fish importation by scaling up domestic fish production and transforming the aquaculture sector into a key driver of food security, employment, and export growth.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this known during a consultative meeting with fisheries cooperative groups held in Abuja on Wednesday.
He stated that the government is determined to reposition the fisheries and aquaculture subsector through supportive policies, technical assistance, and financial inclusion.
“We must chart a new path to self-sufficiency in fish production. The government is fully committed to reducing imports, scaling local production, and driving sustainable growth in the sector,” Oyetola said.
He emphasized that youth involvement in aquaculture is not only essential for enhancing food production but also serves as a strategic solution to tackle unemployment. According to him, the ministry is already implementing multiple initiatives to empower young people and women in the industry.
To strengthen the sector further, the minister revealed ongoing discussions with the World Bank to secure financial support for fish farmers.
He also mentioned a partnership with the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) to provide affordable insurance coverage. Additionally, plans are underway with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to replicate the successful Oyan Dam aquaculture model across other regions of the country.
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olufemi Oloruntola, reiterated the government’s willingness to build strong alliances with cooperative societies to drive inclusive development in the fisheries value chain.
Speaking at the event, President of the Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (FCFN), Mashi Sani, presented a proposed Sustainable Livelihoods and Fish Food Security Initiative (SLESI), a three-year plan aimed at creating one million sustainable jobs, cutting post-harvest losses by 50%, and increasing national fish production by 35%.
Sani stressed that the fisheries sector remains vital to food security, income generation, and nutrition, especially in rural communities. However, he noted ongoing challenges such as overfishing, poor infrastructure, limited access to finance, and weak extension services.
He urged the ministry to adopt and fund the SLESI plan in collaboration with the FCFN, while also calling for urgent government action to address gaps in transportation, market access, and technical support.
