Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola has unveiled plans to end Nigeria’s dependence on imported fish by significantly boosting local production through comprehensive reforms in the aquaculture and fisheries sector.
In a statement signed by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Oyetola made the announcement during a meeting with fisheries cooperative groups in Abuja. He emphasized the government’s commitment to reposition the sector as a key driver of food security, job creation, and export growth.
“Nigeria must chart a new course towards self-sufficiency in fish production,” Oyetola said, adding that the Federal Government is fully committed to supporting the fisheries and aquaculture subsector through policy, technical support, and financial inclusion.
“We will scale up domestic fish production, reduce dependency on imports, and reposition the sector for sustainable growth,” he affirmed.
The meeting convened major stakeholders, 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 further disclosed that the ministry is intensifying efforts to empower women and youth through start-up grants and other support initiatives.
He said, “Increasing youth participation in aquaculture is not only vital for food production but also a strategic solution to reducing unemployment.
“We are committed to ensuring that young people and women are not left behind in this transformation.”
In his welcome address, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, noted that the meeting was part of fulfilling commitments made by the minister during the ministry’s second-quarter citizens and stakeholders engagement held in Lagos on July 3.
He reiterated the ministry’s readiness to build enduring partnerships with cooperative societies to drive inclusive growth.
