The Federal Government has inaugurated a 17-member technical committee tasked with increasing fish production in Nigeria and reducing the country’s reliance on imported fish.
The committee, known as the Technical Committee on Accelerating Fish Production in Nigeria, was inaugurated by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in Abuja on Thursday.
The initiative is aimed at moving beyond policy discussions and developing practical measures that can significantly improve domestic fish production and strengthen Nigeria’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
Oyetola said the committee would develop a coordinated implementation plan based on recommendations from a strategic roundtable held in October 2025.
He explained that Nigeria’s fish production remains considerably below national demand, creating a significant supply gap and increasing the country’s dependence on imports.
The minister identified several challenges affecting the sector, including the high cost of fish feed, limited access to quality fish seed and broodstock, inadequate fish-health and biosecurity systems, post-harvest losses and insufficient cold-chain and storage facilities.
Other concerns highlighted include limited access to affordable financing, inadequate research and innovation, weak industry data, gaps in standards and traceability, as well as challenges with market development.
The committee is expected to examine existing recommendations and convert those considered viable into a prioritised roadmap for implementation.
It will also identify opportunities for private-sector participation, public-private partnerships and development financing while ensuring that existing government initiatives are strengthened rather than duplicated.
The Federal Government had previously estimated Nigeria’s annual fish requirement at more than 3.6 million metric tonnes, compared with domestic production of about 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025, leaving a deficit of more than 2.2 million metric tonnes.
The committee has been given eight weeks to submit its report and recommendations.
Oyetola said the government wants to increase sustainable domestic fish production, strengthen the fisheries and aquaculture value chain, create employment, improve food security and gradually reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fish.
The committee’s work is therefore expected to focus on practical solutions that can improve production while creating stronger opportunities for investment and development across Nigeria’s fisheries sector.
