In a significant push to bolster domestic food production and curb rising import bills, the federal government has unveiled an ambitious agenda to make Nigeria self-sufficient in fish production.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, revealed the plan during a high-level consultation with fisheries cooperative leaders in Abuja on Wednesday, signaling a major policy shift that aims to transform aquaculture into a central pillar of the national economy.
“We are committed to scaling up local fish production, reducing our dependency on imports, and repositioning this sector for sustainable growth,” Oyetola stated.
The minister emphasized that youth and women will play a vital role in this transformation.
Through strategic policies and partnerships, the government aims to generate employment, promote food security, and strengthen Nigeria’s export capacity.
Key to the plan are talks already underway with global financial institutions and local stakeholders. Oyetola disclosed ongoing negotiations with the World Bank for targeted financial support for fish farmers.
In addition, the ministry is collaborating with the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) to roll out affordable insurance products tailored to the needs of small-scale operators.
Efforts are also in progress with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to replicate the successful Oyan Dam aquaculture model across other parts of the country, scaling up fish farming in inland water bodies.
“This is not just about food; it’s about jobs, exports, and building a resilient economy,” the minister added.
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In a parallel development, Mashi Sani, President of the Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (FCFN), presented a detailed blueprint to overhaul the sector.
Dubbed the Sustainable Livelihoods and Fish Food Security Initiative (SLESI), the proposal outlines a three-year, N75 billion plan that could reshape the industry.
According to Sani, the initiative aims to:
Create over one million sustainable jobs
Cut post-harvest losses by 50%
Increase domestic fish production by 35%
However, he cautioned that the sector remains burdened by persistent challenges: overfishing, poor infrastructure, lack of financing, and weak technical support systems.
He urged the government to adopt the SLESI framework and take urgent action on sector-wide reforms.
“Nigeria’s fisheries are a lifeline for rural communities. We must act now to unlock their full potential,” Sani said.
Olufemi Oloruntola, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, echoed the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, pledging deeper partnerships with cooperative societies and community-based groups to accelerate development.
As Nigeria confronts mounting pressures from climate change, population growth, and food insecurity, the ministry’s plan to revitalize aquaculture could mark a turning point—positioning the blue economy as a cornerstone of national resilience.