Nigeria’s local fish production has risen to 1.4 million metric tonnes in 2025, up from 1.1 million metric tonnes, reflecting the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen domestic output, cut imports, and improve food security.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, attributed the growth to enhanced agency coordination, better sector planning, adoption of technology, and targeted interventions in fisheries and aquaculture. He acknowledged that production still falls short of the country’s estimated annual consumption of 3.6 million tonnes, but highlighted the progress as a step toward self-sufficiency.

To further accelerate growth, the ministry is engaging financial institutions to provide single-digit interest loans to fish farmers, aiming to improve access to financing, boost productivity, and curb illegal fishing.

Oyetola emphasized that fisheries and aquaculture are being repositioned as key drivers of job creation, economic diversification, and food security under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Additionally, Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, stressed that private sector involvement and public-private partnerships will be vital for unlocking the sector’s full potential and reducing reliance on oil revenues.