The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has disclosed plans to make Nigeria a significant exporter of fish, underscoring the country’s commitment to its expanding blue economy agenda.
Oyetola disclosed this during the 39th Annual National Conference and General Meeting of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria, said the government was planning to boost Nigeria’s fish exports and ensure self-sufficiency in local production.
Oyetola, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, said, “The establishment of this ministry marks the beginning of a new era for the fisheries and aquaculture sub-sector. In line with Mr President’s vision, the ministry is committed to achieving self-sufficiency in fish production and positioning Nigeria as a leading exporter of fish and fisheries products.”
The conference’s theme, ‘Unlocking the Investment Potential of Nigeria’s Blue Economy: Advancing the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector for Sustainable Development’, was noted by the minister as particularly relevant to the administration’s broader economic vision.
“The theme of this year’s conference is particularly significant, as it aligns with the President’s vision for sustainable economic diversification, reflected in the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy,” Oyetola stated.
He said with the recent transfer of the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to the new ministry, efforts to oversee and enhance fisheries-related activities now have a clearer directive and targeted resources.
The minister further detailed several ongoing initiatives that aim to uplift Nigeria’s fisheries sector.
These include improving fisheries management, investing in aquaculture, enhancing post-harvest infrastructure, embracing innovative technology, and strengthening multi-stakeholder collaborations.
Oyetola noted that these initiatives aim to maximize the utilization of Nigeria’s marine resources, a step he believes will significantly impact food production, job creation, and broader economic growth.
He remarked on the long-term benefits of these initiatives, adding that “Fisheries and aquaculture are central to the broader vision for Nigeria’s Blue Economy sector. The Ministry’s strategic focus is to upscale fish production sustainably, tapping into the full spectrum of our marine resources.”
He emphasized the sector’s role in providing both immediate economic benefits and lasting security for future generations, stating, “This sub-sector has the potential to unlock long-term resources, increase food production, provide job opportunities, and drive sustainable development across our coastal and inland waters. This, in turn, offers long-term prosperity and security for future generations.”
Since the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture was incorporated into the ministry nine months ago, notable strides have been made, according to Oyetola.
These include boosting the local production of fish feed to reduce dependence on imports, fostering public-private partnerships to drive investment, and collaborating with international experts and organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization to adopt best practices from global leaders like Morocco.
Nigeria’s progress has also been marked by its recent re-certification to export shrimp to the United States, the European Union, and other international markets, achieving an unprecedented 100 percent certification score for the Turtle Excluder Device, a key achievement for the industry.
