FISH FARMERS SEEK SUPPORT TO INCREASE LOCAL PRODUCTION

Fish farmers in Nigeria have called for stronger government support and greater cooperation within the industry to increase domestic production and reduce the country’s reliance on imports.

The President of the National Fish Association of Nigeria, Ladan Aliyu, said local production currently meets less than a quarter of Nigeria’s estimated annual fish requirement of about 300,000 metric tonnes.

Aliyu made the call in Abuja during the inauguration of the association’s newly elected executive committee.

He urged fish farmers to form sustainable cooperative societies that could improve access to training, production inputs and government support.

According to him, stronger organisation among farmers would also make it easier for stakeholders to engage government on policies affecting the sector.

The association said the production shortfall has contributed to higher prices and increased reliance on imported frozen fish.

Aliyu said locally produced fish could be more affordable than imported alternatives, although foreign exchange pressures have increased the cost of imported products.

Other stakeholders also called for policies that would support local production and help reduce the impact of rising costs.

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment urged the association’s new leadership to promote unity, transparency and accountability.

Stakeholders said stronger collaboration across production, processing, storage and distribution would be necessary to expand Nigeria’s fish industry and improve food security.