Rakiya A.Muhammad
Nigerian stakeholders are united in driving a transformation of fish and aquaculture production to strengthen the economy, enhance nutrition, and support environmental sustainability.
Given this collaborative push, and with a fish production deficit of over 2.2 million tonnes, they are working to increase output.
At a dynamic Round Table in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, authorities, experts, and captains of industry unite to chart an ambitious national roadmap, aiming to accelerate fish production, drive strategic investments, and ignite reforms across fisheries and aquaculture.
Over two days, participants shaped recommendations to transform national policy and investment, boost fish production, reduce imports, and fuel sustainable growth in Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
This initiative brings together the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to supercharge Nigeria’s fish production.
Furthering this coordinated approach, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola described the partnership with NIPSS as a pivotal move toward bringing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to life, focusing on food security, job creation, and economic growth.
He highlighted that Nigeria produces only 38.9 per cent of the 3.6 million metric tonnes of fish its people require annually, leaving a significant gap to fill.
The Minister explained that this shortfall of over 2.2 million metric tonnes forces the country to rely on imports, underscoring the need for a shift in approach for economic, nutritional, and environmental sustainability.
He noted policies and legal frameworks, including the Fisheries Bill and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, to strengthen sustainability and promote good governance.
Oyetola also highlighted how the Ministry is driving digital innovations—automating fisheries operations and building a Blue Data Bank with support from the World Bank’s PROBLUE Programme. Additionally, he noted that initiatives like Green Money are opening doors for young people and women to join aquaculture through hands-on training and support.
Echoing this vision, Professor Ayo Omotayo, Director-General of NIPSS, underscored the Institute’s dedication to driving evidence-based policies that support Nigeria’s goal of fish self-sufficiency.
He reaffirmed NIPSS’s dedication to partnering with the ministry, turning the roundtable’s insights into practical strategies
that drive real progress.
