The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has said that despite the rise in local fish production from 1.1 million to 1.4 million metric tons in 2025, 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 was a need to boost local fish production, reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports, and strengthen food security.
The minister stated this on Wednesday in Abuja 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.
He stated: “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 that the ministry has commenced engagements with relevant financial institutions to provide single-digit interest loans to fish farmers nationwide.
While acknowledging that the current production level remained 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.
Also, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Pius Akutah said that 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.