Fish Consumption: Current Production Level Below Annual Estimate of 3.6m Metric Tons, Oyetola Laments

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Wednesday in Abuja said that despite rise in local fish production from 1.1 million to 1.4 million metric tons in year, 2025, the current production level remains below Nigeria’s annual consumption estimate of 3.6 million metric tons.

He disclosed that, though the estimate reflects efforts to boost domestic output, reduce imports, and enhance food security, there’s need to boost local fish production, reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports, and strengthen food security.

The Minister, stated this while speaking at the 4th Quarter 2025 Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting of the ministry.

Oyetola reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to repositioning fisheries and aquaculture as key drivers of economic diversification, job creation, and food security under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him, “The growth recorded in the fisheries and aquaculture subsector reflects targeted interventions by the federal government aimed at strengthening local capacity, improving coordination, deploying appropriate technologies, and enhancing sectoral planning.

“In the area of fisheries and aquaculture, we are working deliberately and with unique agency to boost local fish production, reduce our dependence on imports, and strengthen food security. I’m pleased to report that local fish production has increased from 1.1 million metric tons to 1.4 million metric tons so far this year.”

To further accelerate growth, he explained the ministry has commenced engagements with relevant financial institutions to provide single-digit interest loans to fish farmers nationwide.

While acknowledging the current production level remains below Nigeria’s annual consumption estimate of 3.6 million metric tons, the progress achieved demonstrates growing momentum in the sector and a clear pathway toward self-sufficiency.

Oyetola stressed further that the initiative is designed to improve access to affordable finance, empower artisanal and industrial operators, boost productivity, and support efforts to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in Nigerian waters.

He, however assured stakeholders that the ministry would continue to deepen reforms, strengthen institutions, and create an enabling environment for sustained private sector participation across the marine and blue economy value chain.

In his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Pius Akutah, said the federal government’s commitment to positioning Nigeria’s marine and blue economy for increased investment, innovation and expansion, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the meeting’s theme – Positioning Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy for Investment, Innovation and Expansion – reflects the administration’s determination to move the sector to the next level following the adoption of key policies.

The NSC ED, opined the participation of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) at the meeting is a strategic move to deepen Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in the sector, adding, “such collaborations are critical to attracting investment and accelerating growth.”

He maintained that as the year draws to a close, stakeholders are renewing efforts to strengthen the marine and blue economy as a viable alternative to Nigeria’s long-standing dependence on oil revenues.

He referenced encouraging performance indicators shared by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), as well as Nigeria’s readmission into the global maritime community, as signs of renewed confidence in the sector.

He added the developments demonstrate the Minister’s preparedness for even greater achievements in the coming year.

Commending stakeholders for their commitment throughout the year, he stated the leadership of the ministry has also spurred innovation within the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, which he said would further enhance the Council’s effectiveness and contribute to the overall success of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Akuta however described the engagement meeting as evidence of the consistency of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and his team in implementing the president’s directives and advancing sector-wide reforms.