FG MOVES TO END FISH IMPORTATION, TARGETS YOUTH AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

The Federal Government has announced plans to stop the importation of fish into Nigeria by increasing local production and supporting youth and women with start-up grants in the fisheries sector.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made this known on Wednesday during a consultative meeting with Fisheries Cooperative Groups in Abuja.

He said the government is focused on turning aquaculture into a major contributor to food security, job creation, and export growth.

“We are committed to reducing our reliance on imported fish by boosting local production through the right policies, technical support, and financial inclusion,” Oyetola said.

He explained that empowering young people and women in aquaculture is part of a broader strategy to tackle unemployment and strengthen the economy.

Oyetola also disclosed that the ministry is in talks with local and international partners, including the World Bank, to support fish farmers with funding. He said discussions are ongoing with the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) to ensure affordable insurance for players in the industry.

He added that efforts are underway with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources to replicate the successful fish farming model at the Oyan Dam in other parts of the country.

According to him, the meeting marked the beginning of long-term collaboration aimed at transforming Nigeria’s fisheries sector.