Nigeria faces 2.2 million-tonne annual fish deficit — FG

Nigeria faces an annual fish supply deficit of over 2.2 million tonnes, with domestic production significantly lagging behind demand, according to the Federal Government. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, revealed this in a statement and announced a $200 million World Bank-backed initiative to boost fish production nationwide.

Nigeria requires around 3.6 million tonnes of fish annually but currently produces only 1.4 million tonnes, resulting in a substantial shortfall largely met through expensive imports costing nearly $1 billion annually. Oyetola emphasized that fish is crucial for food security, nutrition, and rural livelihoods, urging the country to reduce reliance on imports and strive to become a net exporter.

The deficit indicates that domestic production currently covers only about 39% of Nigeria's annual fish requirement, with 61% unmet by local producers. The World Bank Group has committed $200 million to support fisheries and aquaculture development, which will be allocated to state governments via concessional loans to expand production capacity, attract private investment, and strengthen food security.

To achieve fish sufficiency, Oyetola stressed the need for enhanced collaboration among federal and state governments, investors, and development partners, and announced plans for a stakeholders' roundtable to coordinate state-level commitments.