The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has entered into a strategic partnership with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) to accelerate fish production and close Nigeria’s estimated 2.2 million metric tonne annual supply deficit through a coordinated national policy framework.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day Roundtable Discussion on Accelerating National Fish Production held in Lagos, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, said the collaboration aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes food security, job creation, and economic diversification.
Oyetola noted that Nigeria currently produces only about 38.9 per cent of its annual fish demand of 3.6 million metric tonnes, leaving a shortfall of over 2.2 million metric tonnes that is largely met through imports.
“This trend is unsustainable — economically, nutritionally, and environmentally,” the Minister stated.
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L-R: Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Wellington Omoragbon; Executive Director/CEO, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), Prof. Abiodun Sule; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; Director-General, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Ayo Omotayo and Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, at the opening of a two-day Roundtable Discussion on Accelerating National Fish Production in Victoria Island, Lagos,
He explained that the roundtable seeks to develop a National Fish Production Acceleration Roadmap to guide strategic investments and policy reforms in the fisheries and aquaculture sub-sector. According to him, new legal frameworks — including the Fisheries Bill and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy — are being finalised to enhance sustainability, governance, and resource management.
Highlighting ongoing digital reforms, Oyetola revealed that the Ministry is automating fisheries operations and establishing a Blue Data Bank in partnership with the World Bank’s PROBLUE Programme. He added that initiatives such as the Green Money Project are empowering youth and women through aquaculture training and input support.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NIPSS, Professor Ayo Omotayo, reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to promoting evidence-based policymaking that supports Nigeria’s goal of achieving fish self-sufficiency.
“NIPSS will continue to work with the Ministry to ensure that the outcomes of this roundtable translate into actionable and measurable strategies,” Omotayo assured.
The two-day forum, which brought together experts, industry operators, and key stakeholders, is expected to produce practical recommendations that will guide national policy and investment decisions aimed at boosting domestic fish production, reducing import dependence, and advancing sustainable growth within Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
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