FG Moves to End Fish Importation, Boost Local Farming

The federal government has announced a new push to end the country’s heavy reliance on imported fish, with a strategy focused on boosting local production and creating new opportunities for young people and women in the aquaculture sector.

At a consultative meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, outlined measures to reposition the fisheries industry as a key contributor to national food security, job creation and economic growth.

The government says it will increase support for fish farmers through policy reforms, technical assistance, and financial inclusion. Plans are also underway to provide start-up grants and training to help young Nigerians and women launch or scale their aquaculture businesses.

Oyetola also revealed that talks are ongoing with the World Bank to secure funding for small-scale fish producers, while efforts are being made to work with the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation to offer affordable insurance schemes.

The government is also looking to replicate successful models like the Oyan Dam aquaculture project in other regions of the country, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Warri Sentinel learnt.

The move forms part of a broader national strategy to make aquaculture a more competitive and sustainable industry, while reducing the country’s dependency on fish imports.