By Chinedu Okafor, African Business Daily
The Federal Government has restated its determination to close Nigeria’s annual fish consumption gap of 3.6 million metric tons, announcing that local production has risen from 1.1 million metric tons to 1.4 million metric tons in 2025.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ engagement forum in Abuja. He described the gathering as a pivotal step in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy journey, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and shared ownership of reforms.
“This engagement is not ceremonial. It is a deliberate governance tool,” Oyetola said. “The marine sector occupies a central place in Nigeria’s economic diversification strategy.”
With Nigeria’s extensive coastline, inland waterways, and strategic location, the minister noted that the country is well positioned to harness opportunities in maritime trade, logistics, fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and allied services to drive inclusive growth and job creation.
Oyetola highlighted that the ministry, in collaboration with its agencies and partners, has achieved measurable milestones over the past year, aimed at making Nigeria a competitive hub in the marine and blue economy.
“In fisheries and aquaculture, we are deliberately boosting local fish production to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen food security,” he said. “While production remains below the 3.6 million metric tons consumed annually, the increase reflects targeted interventions, improved coordination, technology deployment, and better sectoral planning.”
The minister added that the government is laying strong foundations to attract private sector investment by reducing risks, improving governance, and expanding infrastructure.
Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima, also underscored the importance of the forum in repositioning Nigeria’s marine and blue economy for innovation and growth.
“Many of these initiatives are already yielding results due to the consistency of the ministry,” Ukeyima said. “As the year ends, we are renewing efforts to build a marine and blue economy that can reduce dependence on oil and transform the nation’s fortunes.”
The event concluded with the official launch of the ministry’s go-live digital platform, designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery across the sector.
