In a decisive move to boost food security and create economic opportunities, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its determination to eliminate the country’s dependence on imported fish. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, made this declaration on Wednesday in Abuja during a high-level consultative meeting with Fisheries Cooperative Groups.

The minister emphasized that the government aims to revolutionize the fisheries and aquaculture subsector by significantly increasing local fish production while also launching support initiatives for young Nigerians and women. These steps, he affirmed, form part of a broader strategy to transform Nigeria into a self-sufficient fish-producing nation.

A New Direction for Nigeria’s Fish Industry

Oyetola firmly stated the government’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s fisheries sector through a mix of proactive policies, targeted technical assistance, and financial inclusion. According to him, boosting domestic production of fish is no longer an option but a necessity—one that will reduce the country’s dependency on expensive fish imports while fostering sustainable industry growth.

“The Federal Government is fully committed to supporting the fisheries and aquaculture subsector through policy, technical support, and financial inclusion,” the minister assured.

He highlighted the urgent need to reposition the fisheries industry as a dynamic engine for economic growth and national food security, adding that the government’s focus would remain on driving sustainable development throughout the fisheries value chain.

Youth and Women at the Heart of the Strategy

Oyetola pointed out that empowering Nigerian youth and increasing their involvement in aquaculture is not just vital for enhancing food production but also a powerful strategy for tackling unemployment.

As part of this youth- and women-centered approach, the federal government plans to offer startup grants, skills development programs, and other incentives to help budding entrepreneurs succeed in the fisheries space. The minister confirmed that multiple initiatives aimed at empowerment are already in motion and that the government is prioritizing inclusive growth.

“Our ministry remains committed to ensuring that young people and women are actively involved and well-supported. This is central to achieving long-term results,” he noted.

Working With Development Partners

Oyetola also announced that the ministry is engaging both domestic and international development partners in addressing the core challenges affecting the fisheries industry. He revealed that discussions are already underway with the World Bank to mobilize financial support for fish farmers across Nigeria.

In addition, he said the government would collaborate with the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) to deliver affordable insurance coverage to aquaculture practitioners, thereby reducing financial risks and boosting investor confidence.

“We are also in talks with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to replicate the successful aquaculture model at the Oyan Dam across other regions,” Oyetola stated, reinforcing the importance of a multi-stakeholder strategy.

He stressed that inter-ministerial collaboration and integrated planning would serve as cornerstones of the government’s long-term vision for fisheries development.

Private Sector Proposal: SLESI Initiative

During the meeting, Mr. Mashi Sani, President of the Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria (FCFN), presented a strategic proposal aimed at transforming the fisheries sector. He urged the government to adopt and implement the Sustainable Livelihoods and Fish Food Security Initiative (SLESI)—a comprehensive plan designed to improve livelihoods throughout the fisheries value chain.

Sani proposed a three-year implementation timeline for SLESI, backed by a proposed budget of ₦75 billion. The initiative’s ambitious goals include:

• Creating one million sustainable jobs

• Reducing post-harvest losses by 50%

• Boosting national fish production by 35%

He explained that if fully funded and executed in partnership with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the initiative would serve as a catalyst for national food security, youth employment, and rural development.

Challenges Confronting the Sector

While both government and stakeholders expressed optimism, Sani was quick to highlight the structural problems plaguing Nigeria’s fisheries industry. These include rampant overfishing, inadequate infrastructure, limited access to finance, and weak extension services.

He called on the federal government to take swift action to address these persistent challenges. According to him, unless critical barriers such as poor transportation systems, weak market linkages, and lack of technical assistance are resolved, the full potential of the sector will remain untapped.

He emphasized that the fisheries sector plays an essential role in boosting nutrition, generating rural income, and ensuring national food security—especially in Nigeria’s remote and underserved communities.

“The government must recognize the fisheries sector as a strategic pillar of our food economy,” Sani said. “To achieve tangible results, we need coordinated efforts, appropriate funding, and bold policy reforms.”

Building the Foundation for a Blue Economy

Minister Oyetola echoed this call to action, acknowledging that the fisheries and aquaculture sector has a central role to play in advancing the country’s emerging blue economy framework. He maintained that by properly harnessing Nigeria’s vast aquatic resources, the government could significantly reduce import dependency while simultaneously expanding export potential.

He reiterated the government’s vision to make aquaculture one of the country’s top contributors to food security, job creation, and global competitiveness. He said that continuous dialogue and cooperation between the public sector and organized cooperatives like the FCFN will be essential in executing the roadmap for the sector’s renewal.

In conclusion, the federal government’s latest fisheries development agenda offers a clear pathway toward transforming Nigeria’s aquatic economy. By focusing on local production, inclusive empowerment, and coordinated strategic planning, the administration seeks not only to reduce fish imports but also to unlock massive economic benefits for millions of Nigerians.

With decisive action, adequate funding, and consistent follow-through, Nigeria may soon move from a net importer of fish to a regional powerhouse in aquaculture and fisheries production.