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.