Tuesday, July 22, 2025 - The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced plans to end Nigeria’s dependence on imported fish by strengthening local production through comprehensive reforms in the aquaculture and fisheries sector.
Oyetola made the announcement during a meeting with
fisheries cooperative groups in Abuja, according to a statement signed by his
Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola.
The minister emphasized that the government is committed to
repositioning the sector as a cornerstone of food security, job creation, and
export development.
“Nigeria must chart a new course towards self-sufficiency in
fish production,” Oyetola said. “The Federal Government is fully committed to
supporting the fisheries and aquaculture subsector through policy, technical
support, and financial inclusion.”
He added, “We will scale up domestic fish production, reduce
dependency on imports, and reposition the sector for sustainable growth.”
The meeting was attended by key industry 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 also highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to
empower women and youth in the sector, including the provision of start-up
grants and other support initiatives.
“Increasing youth participation in aquaculture is not only
vital for food production but also a strategic solution to reducing
unemployment,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring that young people and
women are not left behind in this transformation.”
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the
Ministry, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, noted that the meeting fulfilled commitments
made during the Ministry’s second-quarter citizens and stakeholders engagement
held in Lagos on July 3.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to build sustainable
partnerships with cooperative societies to drive inclusive growth.
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