Expert Warns Against Nigeria’s Fish Import Policy
A fisheries expert says inconsistent fish import policies are hurting local aquaculture, investment and Nigeria’s food security ambitions.
Nigeria’s fish import policy is weakening local aquaculture and slowing efforts to achieve food security, create jobs and reduce pressure on foreign exchange, according to fisheries expert Dr Olukayode Olubiyi.
Speaking in an interview, the Chief Lecturer at the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos, said inconsistent government policies continue to favour imported fish over locally farmed varieties. He warned that this approach discourages investment, limits domestic production and increases Nigeria’s dependence on imported fish despite its strong production potential.
Olubiyi argued that allowing the importation of fish species such as tilapia, catfish and pangasius, which can be produced locally, places Nigerian fish farmers at a significant disadvantage.
“When government allows the importation of fish species like tilapia, catfish and pangasius that we can produce locally, local farmers cannot compete. It takes six to seven months to raise fish, while importers bring in large quantities within weeks and sell at cheaper prices.”
He said the current fish import policy creates uncertainty for investors and makes it difficult for farmers to expand production. According to him, changing policies send mixed signals to producers and reduce confidence in the aquaculture sector.
“Today, government encourages local production; tomorrow, it opens the market to imports. That uncertainty frustrates producers. When you discover that we are no longer producing enough locally, it is largely because of this inconsistency in government policy.”
Olubiyi recommended that Nigeria should only import fish species that cannot thrive under the country’s tropical climate, such as salmon and cod, while encouraging local production of species where the country has a natural advantage.
He added that a consistent fish import policy would help reduce capital flight, strengthen domestic aquaculture, create more jobs and support Nigeria’s long-term food security goals.
What policy changes do you think would best support Nigeria’s local fish farming industry?
